George Arthur Ely, 58, died unexpectedly at his home in Great Bend on Dec. 20, 2011. He was born on July 16, 1953 in Mt. Holly, N.J.  George had spent the past 35 years drilling oil, gas and water wells in Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Jersey. At his time of death, he had completed his first semester of the Natural Gas Transmission and Distribution program at Barton Community College. He would have graduated in May. He married Toni Arnett Williams on August 29, 1986, in Elkton, Md.  She survives.
George was an avid online Nascar racing fan and was an administrator of the Thunder Racing League, an international simulated racing league. He was a devoted fan of all Philadelphia sports team as well as KU basketball. Music was also a passion for George. He and Toni traveled all over the country to see their favorite bands in concert. He also loved spending time with his six-year-old basset hound, Beaumont, Jezebel the one- and a half-year old cocker spaniel, and Maxim Baldytchev Ely, their 5-year-old cat.
He is survived by a brother, William L. Ely, and a sister Jacqueline McCormick, both of N.J.; his mother-in-law, Alice Arnett of Great Bend; and sister-in-law, Teresa Raymer of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by his father, Maurice P. Ely; and his mother, Wyneth H. Ely.
A private memorial will be held at a later date as cremation has taken place.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, April 22, 2012