George Sheldon, Jr

George "Iguana Jack" E. Sheldon, Jr., 93, of Franklin, died at the Peabody Home on April 29, 2016. He was born in Haverhill, MA, the only son of George and Antoinette Sheldon of Derry, NH. George was a graduate of Pinkerton Academy, Class of 1940. He was a member of the undefeated 1939 football team. George worked as a Manchester Police officer from 1946to 1953. He served for 28 years with the NH State Liquor Commission and retired as assistant chief in the enforcement division. While there, he instituted a program on educating students about teenagers and alcohol. George served on Gov. Gallen's Crime Commission. During World War II with the US Army's Engineer Amphibian Command, he saw service in the Pacific with duty in Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines, and Japan. He received several awards including the Combat Infantry Badge, the Asiatic Pacific Medal with 5 Battle Stars, the Bronze Star, and many others. He was an active reservist for 35 years retiring as Chief Warrant Officer 4. George later assisted with services for deceased veterans. He was active in Masonic circles and was Past Master of 40 Social Friends Lodge #42 in Keene. George was a patron of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #70 in Keene. He belonged to the Scottish Rite and was a 32nd Degree Mason. George held the Major General John L. Sullivan medal and was a member of the Bektash Shrine of NH and served in the Provost Guard Unit. He was active in DeMolay for boys and held the Grand Cross of Colors of the Order of Rainbow for Girls. George authored 5 books about World War II under the pen name of Iguana Jack Roo. He wrote articles of the Franklin Telegram and the Myrtle Beach Times for many years. He was a life member of Franklin VFW Post 1698, a Hospice volunteer for Franklin VNA, the NH Veterans Home, and Franklin Police Dept. An avid gunsmith, he invented a short .45 pistol called the "Sheldon Bobcat" for military and police officers. George had been an active member of the Franklin Baptist Church where he served as a Trustee and Lay Preacher. He was a sportsman and loved the game of golf. He competed in the Senior League at Mojalaki Country Club. George also enjoyed model railroading. George's wife, Alberta (Lahey) Sheldon, died in 2005. Family members include 2 sons: Wayne Sheldon and his wife Alice of Port Charlotte, FL, and Gary Sheldon and his wife Claire of Conway, 3 grandchildren: Candace, Jamie, and Brent, 2 great grandchildren, Jodie and Jayla, a great great grandchild, Landon, and nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, May 3, 2016 from 5-7:00 pm at Thibault-Neun Funeral Home, 143 Franklin St., Franklin. Funeral services and burial will be at NH Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 11 am. Donations in memory of George may be made to NH Veterans Home, 139 Winter St., Tilton, NH 03276.