George Ivan “G.I.” Fleming, 68, of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Dearborn Hospital, after a long battle with cancer. He was born on Dec. 17, 1954, in Milan, Indiana. He was the son of the late Robert W. and Joan M. Fleming (Schneider).
In his youth, G.I. played piano at the local church. At age 11, G.I. and his dad spent over 500 hours building and perfecting his soap box derby racer. The hard work paid off; G.I. went on to win the Three Rivers Chevrolet Soap Box Derby defeating 42 other racers ages 11-15, in 1966. This qualified him to compete in the All-American Soap Box Derby in August of 1966, in Akron, Ohio, against 260 other competitors. G.I. was unable to come away with the win, but it was a lifetime memory participating in the world’s foremost Soap Box Derby event in front of 5,000 spectators.
G.I. graduated from Lawrenceburg High School in 1972. He enjoyed sports and excelled at football, baseball, and basketball. Soon after, he completed the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Apprenticeship Program, Local 105. He was exceptional in the areas of welding and rigging and was highly skilled in his trade. He was a strong union man and loved his career. He valued mentoring young Boilermakers and retired from Local 374.
G.I. was an excellent provider for his family, and dearly loved his boys. He had a big heart, and was generous and helpful to those in need. He was an avid Cincinnati Bengals and Reds fan, and cheered on the Hoosiers. He treasured music and was an amazing guitarist, strumming a few chords on his Fender Stratocaster. He also really liked camping, going to concerts with Sandra, and playing poker with his close friends.
G.I. was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the American Legion, and the benevolent Arch Street Gang, ASG.
G.I. was absolutely one-of-a-kind. He would light up a room when he entered. Thinking about him right now makes us grin, and as you read this, I bet you are grinning too. We will miss his contagious laugh, affectionate smile, quick-witted humor, and all of the things that made G.I. a special soul. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his two sons, Jason Fleming of Greendale, Indiana; Nicholas Fleming of Milan, Indiana; granddaughter Madeline Weber of Columbus, Indiana; siblings William (Nancy) Fleming of Murrieta, California; Robert (Janie) Fleming of Richmond, Indiana; Sandra (Skip) Fleming of Cincinnati, Ohio; Kevin (Susan) Fleming of Toledo, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
G.I. was preceded in death by his father, Robert William Fleming, mother, Joan Marie Fleming, and long-time companion, Robin Ramey.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, from noon- 2 p.m., at Fitch-Denney Funeral Home, 455 Ridge Ave., Greendale, Indiana, 47025. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., with Pastor Tim Russell officiating.
Interment will follow in the Greendale Cemetery, Greendale, Indiana.
Contributions may be made to The ASG Foundation or Wells of Love Ministry.
Visit us at www.fitchdenney.com.