GEORGE NEVEN

George "Dutch" Neven, Jr. passed on to our Savior’s care on January 29, 2019. George was born on April 30, 1929 in New York, New York. He was the eldest son of Kathe and George Neven. The family moved from New York City to a small farm in Spencertown in upstate New York. George graduated from Chatham High School in 1947. After graduation, George enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he was trained as an Aerial Photographer's Mate. While stationed in Seattle, WA in 1948, he met and married Sharon Marie McCoy of Valley City, ND, on January 29, 1949. George and Sharon moved throughout the Pacific Naval Region with postings in Washington, California, and Hawaii, with short stays in Pensacola, FL for training. They welcomed five children into their family, Erik, Christopher, Candace, Lisa, and Lance. Upon separation from Naval Service, George moved his family to Titusville, FL where he took a position with the various contractors working for NASA at Cape Canaveral Space Center, now Kennedy Space Center. George was involved in photo documenting the technological and human achievements in the U.S. space program from 1957 through his retirement in 1992. George also served in the Navy Reserves for over 20 years and retired at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CWO4).

While keeping very busy with his career, George was also a dedicated father and community member. He was an active member of the Titusville JC's; coached Little League Baseball and Hurricane Football. He was a member of the Astronaut High School Band Parents, and the North Brevard Horsemen’s Association. In 1967, he opened his own private photographic studio in Titusville.

George enjoyed many years of service as a Master Mason, Scottish Rite , York Rite, Royal Arch, Knights Templar, Tall Cedars, and Azan Shriners. He  was instrumental in helping to plan, design, and build the Mims, FL Masonic Lodge. He served in all leadership positions within these organizations achieving the 33rd degree in Scottish Rite.

After the loss of his first wife in 2006, George reconnected and married his high school sweetheart, Beth Tompkins in 2007.

Both George and Beth were very active members of the Mims United Methodist Church and enjoyed many activities with the congregation.

George was preceded in death by his son, Erik; mother, Kathe; father, George Sr.; brothers Robert and Alfred; and wife Sharon. He is survived by his wife Beth, children Christopher (Cynthia), Candace Adamick, Lisa Neven-Godwin (Robert), Lance (Vicky), 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. And Beth's daughters, Cindy and Maren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Mims United Methodist Church [3302 Green St, Mims, Fl 32754] or the Scottish Rite Foundation [PO Box 5736, Winter Park,  Fl 32793-5736].

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.