GEORGE H. KOEGEL, 92, died Monday, Aug. 27, 2007. Born on Dec. 10, 1914, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of John C. and Pearl (Hill) Koegel. A member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and Masters degree in French, from Indiana University. While at I.U., he participated in the University Theatre, and was elected to Theta Alpha Phi, National Honorary Dramatic fraternity. A World War II, 161st Infantry Army veteran of the Asian-pacific campaigns, he was a recipient of the Bronze Star. After serving his country, he returned to civilian life as a language arts and French teacher, with Fort Wayne Public Schools. While teaching was his vocation, theatre was his avocation. For over 74 years, he contributed his many talents to local theatre, including The Civic Arena Dinner Theatre, Children's Theatre, Fort Wayne Ballet, Festival Music Theatre, The Strand, Theatre Workshop and Old Fort Players. The Civic honored him with a "Master Technical Special Recognition" in 2003, and for "Excellence in Technical Theatre" in 2004. He was presented with the Anthony for acting. the Civic Lifetime Achievement Award was named in his honor in the 2000-2001 season, when he was the recipient. In 2006, Arena Dinner Theatre presented him their Lifetime Achievement Award in Theatre. He received honors for his creative stage makeup. He loved musicals, and enjoyed the singing and dancing. After beginning harp lessons at age 62, he was often seen around Fort Wayne playing one of his several harps for special events. He was also an accomplished pianist, beginning lessons at age 7, and paying for his own lessons until age 17. In addition to the theatres, he was a member of Fort Wayne Ballet, Art Museum, Cinema Center, American Harp Society, Arch, and International Society of Folk Harpers. He is survived by 14 nieces and nephews; and was a great and great-great uncle. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Pearl K. Wilkens, and Florence K. Thomas; and brothers, Kenneth, John, and James. A time for family and friends to celebrate his life is from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007, at Fort Wayne Arts United Center, Ian Rolland Gallery. Burial in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C. Preferred memorials to The Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, 303 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802, or The Arena Dinner Theatre. Arrangements by Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Wayne Street Chapel.