George Vlastemil Smetana

George Vlastemil Smetana, 80, of Casa Grande died Feb. 23, 2009 at home.

Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Long Beach, Calif.

Mr. Smetana was born Nov. 19, 1928 in Chicago and was a son of Simon and Rose Smetana. He served in the Navy during World War II aboard the USS Duluth and was a gunner's mate second class. He later was a repairman. He was a past post commander in the American Legion and a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. He loved horses and the outdoors and moved from California because of that.

Survivors include his wife, Stella; two sons, Mark Smetana of Westminster, Calif., and Jim Smetana of Casa Grande; a daughter, Marla Kelser of Mesa; a stepdaughter, Donna O'Connell; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel was in charge of local arrangements.