George Franklin Ludwig was born east of Dover on March 18, 1936, to Frank and Esther (Funk) Ludwig on their family farm. He passed away at the age of 87 on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City.
After graduating Dover High School in 1954, George enlisted in the United States Army and served two years. George was stationed in Alaska where he was in the Artillery Division. After his honorable discharge, George returned to Kingfisher where he married the love of his life Evelyn Thomsen on May 18, 1957. George and Evey moved to Oklahoma City where they had their son Randy and daughter Cindy. From Oklahoma City, the family moved to Midland, Texas where Rickey and the twins, Timmy and Tammy were born. The Ludwigs made their final move to the Thomsen Centennial Farm west of Kingfisher in 1971 and built their homestead with his father and uncles. George and Evey were long-term members of the Dover Christian Church where he served as a Deacon and an Elder. George and Evey were married 56 years before her passing in 2013.
George started each day with Jesus, reading his Bible and looking out over the farm enjoying a cup of coffee. He spent many of his years welding and farming. He worked for Kingfisher Rural Water District No. 3 for over twenty-five years. George enjoyed hosting family get togethers and fish fries at the pond house. George was an avid lover of the outdoors and nature in general. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, collecting ducks and tools, and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his children Randy and Trish Ludwig of Kingfisher, Cindy Clark of Kingfisher and Chuck Russell of Dover, Rickey and Stacy Ludwig of Kingfisher, Timmy Ludwig of Oklahoma City, and Tammy and Ricky Matthews of Dover. Grandchildren Crystal and Jeremie Hill, Daniel and Crystal Ludwig, Eric and Jennie Ludwig, Andy Matthews and Jessica, Rachael Ludwig, Stacy and Aaron Gore, Hayli Purdue, Kacee and Tanner Seiger, Christopher Ludwig, Emily and David Rogers, Allyson Green, Corey Clark, and CJ Simon and Julia. Great-Grandchildren Reagan, Bennett, and Wyatt Ludwig, Bella and Grant Purdue, Caden and Blake Hill, Jocy and Marlee Gore, Kerion and Roen Brand, and Regan, Kinley, Nate, and Landon Merritt. One sister Christine Curtis of Oklahoma City, sister-in-law Janice and spouse Jerry Glenn of Bonita Springs, Florida, and numerous nieces and nephews.
George is preceded in death by his wife Evelyn Ludwig, his parents Frank and Esther Ludwig, his brother Frank Junior Ludwig and spouse Lenna, his sister Evelyn Terrell and spouse Leon, his brother-in-law Marvin Curtis, his sister-in-law Carol Pratt and spouse Delbert, his brother-in-law Marvin Thomsen, son-in-law Cy Clark, grandson Luke Strickland, and great-grandson Baylor Purdue.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Wednesday, April 26th at the Dover Christian Church with Jimmy Berkenbile officiating. Graveside services will follow at the Kingfisher Cemetery under the direction of Sanders Funeral Service.
The family requests that Memorials be made to the Dover Christian Church in his memory.
Dover Christian Church, P.O. Box 184 Dover, Oklahoma 73734