George Dale Elley was born on December 14, 1940 in Hot Springs, South Dakota, to George and Hilda Elley. As a youth in Hot Springs, he was active in the Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle.

Following graduation from high school in 1957, he enlisted in the U. S. Army. Following his stateside assignments he served overseas in France where he met and married his wife, Nicole in 1962. In1964, he graduated from Infantry Officers Candidate School and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry.

In addition to his tour in France, he also served in Vietnam. During his 28+ years of service, he received awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, DOD Meritorious Service Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and earned Parachute Wings and the Expert Rifle Badge. While in the service he continued to be active in the Boy Scouts and was awarded the Silver Beaver by the Transatlantic Council in 1985.

Following his retirement from the Army in 1987 as a Lieutenant Colonel, he moved his family to Tempe, Arizona and retired from the City of Tempe in 2000. He was a Shriner, 32d degree Mason, and was Worshipful Master of King Leopold Lodge in Mons, Belgium.

He is survived by Nicole, his loving wife of 50 years, son Steven and wife Lynda, granddaughter Clair , son Philippe of Chandler, brother Ben. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, December 7, 2013, at Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs with Rev. Morris Nelson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wounded Warrior Program would be appreciated.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.