George R. Sterrett

George R. Sterrett, 86, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on January 23rd, 2015 after a short hospitalization. George was born December 14, 1928 in Indianapolis to the late Colonel Ellsworth and Jessie Sterrett, the 10th of 11 children. He was a lifelong resident of the city, and a 1947 graduate of Arsenal Technical High School. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving during the Korean War. He married to his lifelong sweetheart and soulmate, Margaret "Peggy" Lawson on February 7, 1948. He was a letter carrier for the US Postal Service, retiring in 2009 after 56 years of service, making him one of the longest tenured employees in Postal Service history. He was recognized by the US Postmaster General in 2009 for his long service. He was beloved by the residents of the routes he delivered, including Brendonwood and Brendonshire on the northeast side of the city and Cathedral High School. He was also the inspiration for a short film, "Pour le Facteur" (For the Mailman), that was shown at the Heartland Film Festival in 2010 and depicted a youngster's love and admiration for their mailman. Concurrent with his postal career, George was also the initial meter reader for the then fledgling city of Lawrence, retiring in 1984 after more than 20 years of service. He was an active member the National Association of Letter Carriers, Chapter 39 and a youth sports coach in Lawrence. He was a voracious reader and an avid and devoted Colts, Pacers, IU and Butler fan. George is survived by his wife of 66 years, Peggy, and by his two sons, Stephen (Betty) and Michael (Lori). He also leaves behind five adult grandchildren, Ryan, Kim, Jeff, Taylor and Christine. George's children and grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life, and his legacy will live on through them. George is also survived by a brother, Kenneth (Janet) and by a sister, Beverly "Bootsie" Waggoner. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and extended family members, including Frank Campbell (Anita) who has been like a third son to George and Peggy. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers Don, Dwayne, Bob, and Bill, sisters Erla, Miriam, Sis and Betty, as well as two infant daughters. Peggy and the family wish to thank the numerous doctors, nurses and other caregivers who tended to George in his later years, including Drs. MacPhail, Henderson and Helou. We also wish to thank his granddaughter, Kim, an ICU nurse, for her care, family guidance and counsel during his hospitalization. A celebration of George's life will be held on Tuesday, January 27th, 2015 at 11:00 am at Flanner and Buchanan - Washington Park East, 10722 E Washington Street, Indianapolis. Visitation for family and friends will be from 5 pm to 8 pm on Monday, January 26th, 2015, also at Flanner and Buchanan Washington Park East. The family requests that donations in honor of George be made to Cathedral High School, Indianapolis, the Lawrence Township School Foundation, or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.