George Varghese

George Varghese, lovingly called “Appachan” and respectfully called “George Sir”, was born on January 23, 1929, in Thalavoor, Kottarakara, Kerala as the oldest son of Aliachy Amma from Kaithakkuzhy family and Appy Gee Varghese of Aruvikkode family, popularly known as “Appy Sir”, the former headmaster of Piravom Government U.P. School. His wife is the late Kunjeliamma Varghese, who was the daughter of Sosamma and C. Yohannan, the former headmaster of Pazhinjam School. Appachan and Ammachi had a deep love and fondness for each other. The two were married for sixty-three years and together they raised a family, served the Lord, and positively impacted their world. Appachan completed his education as a Malayalam pundit in Kerala. He initially began his career as a school teacher following in the steps of his father. However, he wanted to find his own path and joined the Indian army at 19 years of age. While serving in the military, he pursued further education and graduated from the military’s Electrical and Mechanical Engineering College with a Diploma in Automotive Engineering. He served his country as a vehicle inspector and paratrooper in the Indian army. Appachan was trained in combat and other military protocol and demonstrated precision, innovation, and excellence in everything he did. He was always looking for a challenge and was not afraid to take a risk. It was his fearless nature and military acumen that led to him being selected as a paratrooper. Over the course of his career, he successfully completed twenty-nine parachute jumps and received several honors and awards from the military for his bravery, including the Indian Presidential Award. He was also a skilled sharpshooter and liked to tell stories of his hunting expeditions. He had a wealth of stories describing his experiences in the India Pakistan War and the India China War. He also told stories of driving large military vehicles along the dangerously small and winding roads cutting through the Himalayan mountains and the surrounding foothills. After completing thirty-three years of decorated service in the Indian armed forces, he retired as an Honorary Captain. After his retirement from military service in 1978, he rejoined his family in Kottarakara. It was during this time that he learned of the various needs of the local church, and made it his mission to meet their needs and further the work of the Lord. He labored tirelessly to share the good news of the Gospel to everyone he met. Committed to the cause of Christ, he put all his energy, ability, and finances into the completion of a building for the local IPC church to gather and worship. The church experienced miraculous growth as many souls were added to the Kingdom as a result of his efforts. He also started a truck business as a social enterprise through which he trained and helped many people. He later taught at the Government Industrial Technical Institute in Kollam. Appachan was highly disciplined, physically fit, and easily adapted to new and challenging environments. He was a cross-trained marathon runner with exceptional endurance, speed, stamina, athleticism, and survival skills, which kept him resilient even in his old age. After immigrating to the United States, he lived with all his children at various times and places in the United States. A lesser known fact about Appachan was his creative genius which found expression in various artistic pursuits. He was a writer, a poet, an innovator and a craftsman. He authored and published an original book of poetry called Kavitha Samaharam as well as a poetic rendition of the Book of Psalms called Sankeerthana Bhashyam. His command of the Malayalam language is evident in his prolific authorship of many complete but unpublished works as well, including his own life story and love poems about his beautiful native land of Kerala. In addition to these works, he composed many Malayalam gospel songs, as well as translated many Malayalam songs into Hindi, some of which are still widely sung in worship services in North India. His pen name was “G.V. Ummannoor”. Appachan had a pioneering spirit, a servant’s heart, and an endearing way about him. His contagious smile and booming voice infused joy and energy into every room he entered. He was not afraid to take up lost causes and never walked away from an opportunity to show kindness. His charisma, Christ-likeness, and strength of character were demonstrated in his strong work ethic and faithful service. Appachan’s acts of kindness are too many to be recounted here and he never wanted them known. He was not one to demand anything from anyone, but if he saw someone in need, he would give everything he had, even if at times it meant that he had nothing left for himself. He loved travelling and adventure, and he lived life to the fullest. Appachan considered the crown jewels of his life and legacy to be his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His love and affection towards them knew no bounds and he took every opportunity to let them know how proud he was of them. Appachan has joined Ammachi, their son, the late George Joy, his two brothers, the late Baby and Mathew Varghese, and his forefathers in glory. He is survived by his two sisters, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. • His sisters Kunjamma Varghese and Elizabeth Varghese and their families. • His daughter-in-law Sudha Joy; grandchildren Benita (and husband Nicky), Ashish (and wife Kaeli), and Nikita; great-grandchildren Brennan and Adeline. • His son Sunny George and daughter-in-law Sally George; grandchildren Jacqueline (and husband Sydney), Joanne, and Jaison; great-grandchild Steele. • His son Wilson George and daughter-in-law Sisly George; grandchildren Abigail and Allen. • His daughter Mercy and son-in-law Lealson Koshy; his grandchildren Litany (and husband Calvin) and Levin. Appachan’s legacy will be continued through the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.