We celebrate the life of George Books, who brought joy and love to all who knew him. He passed away on November 17th, 2025, at the age of 76.
George was born in Springfield, Illinois, the second son of Edward Books, Sr. and Annetta “Babe” (Turley) Books. He was one of five siblings: brothers, Ed (Carla), Wayne (Aquilla), and Mark (Doreen), and sister, Brenda (Jack). His father, Ed, and brother, Mark, proceeded him in death. He was a graduate of Lanphier High School (Class of 1967) and Eastern Illinois University.
George was a devoted husband to Bonnie (Reilly) Books with whom he shared his life for nearly 54 years. 54 years that they both cherished immensely and each considered a blessing. A marriage based on teamwork and togetherness, comprised of travel, dinners out, quality time spent with family and friends, and lots of laughs.
He was father, teacher, little league coach, supporter, role-model, and weekend home improvement project foreman to his boys: B.J. (Laura) and Brad (Betsy) Books. He was also grandfather, “Cousin Camp” counselor, and cuddle buddy to five wonderful grandchildren: Riley (17), Karigan (17), George (15), Gracie (14), and Logan (11). In addition to his immediate family, he shared a special bond with Sandy (Dave), his wife’s cousin and lifelong sister in spirit. He was also blessed with a loving extended family, including numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, both by birth and through marriage.
In addition to the aforementioned people’s lives he positively impacted, he was an Industrial Technology teacher (and one-man department) at Riverton High School. Multiple thousands of students were either inspired by him and/or had to put up with his good-hearted teasing. He was dubbed master builder of the stage sets used for the high school plays, as well as construction of the annual homecoming floats. He retired in 2005 after 35 years of service. It was not unusual for him (and always a pleasure) to run into former students anxious to share their successes in life with him or talk about how his influence directly impacted them.
A life-long Northender, he spent his “down-time” remodeling every inch of his home and manicuring every ½ inch of his 1-acre yard. Retirement afforded him the opportunity to spend more time with friends via frequent get-togethers, dinners and travel; notable mentions being dinners with the “Lanphier Group” and trips to Turkey Run and the Ozarks.
For some parting thoughts, it seems quite appropriate to share some memorable “George-isms” with all that read this…
· “Let me go get the duct tape.”
· During a little league game: “That pitcher is really good and striking us all out...let’s all go up and start bunting.”
· “If you don't stop hitting potholes so hard I'm gonna make you tighten all the bolts on this car.”
· After Bonnie asked, “How's my hair now?” George: “Better than it was.“
George will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. We all have our favorite stories by which we remember him. So, the family welcomes anyone willing to share to post your memories on Staab Funeral Home’s obituary website and/or social media.
The family will host a Celebration of Life honoring George from 2:00 – 4:00 pm, Saturday, November 29th, 2025, at The Firefighters Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., Springfield, IL, 62712 with Words of Remembrance beginning at 2:30 pm. All who knew him are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Mike Rowe Works Foundation and/or Folds of Honor in memory of George Books.
Please read and partake in some wonderful memories from former students by following this link on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/108672792567528/posts/24373467718994697
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