George Lester Stidham

With full hearts and fond memories, we announce the passing of George Stidham on Saturday, September 20th, three days shy of his 92nd birthday. George was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and musician. Born in Oklahoma as the oldest of six children, George moved west with his family during the Dust Bowl, settling in Corcoran, California when he was just three. He attended Corcoran High School, where he played the tuba, and at only 17 began working for Salyer's Land Company. A few years after graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Boxer during the Korean War. When he returned home, George put his skills to work on roads and reservoirs across California before settling in San Jose, where he embarked on a decades-long career as an Operating Engineer with Gradeway Construction. As one of the company's first employees, he helped lay the pads for tilt-up industrial buildings and, from the driver's seat of heavy machinery, witnessed the birth and boom of Silicon Valley-building the freeways and infrastructure that would shape the Bay Area for generations. George shared over 60 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Dorothy, who preceded him in death in 2017. Together, they raised their daughter Shelley. Operating heavy machinery by day and basking in neon lights by night, George and Dorothy shared a love for playing country music together. They entertained crowds at Tipper's, The Trade Wind's Club, and the local Moose Lodges, including the Santa Clara Moose Lodge where George was a founding member. George is survived by his loving and devoted daughter, Shelley and her husband (Gordon). He also leaves behind his grandson, Jeff (Angela), his granddaughter Haley (Clay), his great-grandsons Logan and Grant, his sister Margaret, and his brother Marvin. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, his parents Alice Mae and Cecil Rollon, and his siblings Calvin, Martha, and Cecil. We find comfort in knowing that George is getting the band back together- reunited with his wife Dorothy, his parents, and his siblings. His legacy reminds us that a life well-lived is authentic, unapologetic, filled with music, and lived on your own terms. Viewing will be held 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Friday, October 10th, 2025 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Graveside services will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, October 11th, 2025 at Corcoran District Cemetery, 4170 Waukena Ave, Corcoran. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

George Lester Stidham

September 23, 1933 - September 20, 2025