George Patrick Diffin

George Patrick Diffin of Bentonville, Ark., passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2012, in Bentonville. George was a proud World War II veteran, who served in the Coast Guard. He was the first trained operator of the Loran system, forerunner to today's GPS, to detect German submarines off Bodie Island and Cape Hatteras, N.C. George was born on March 5, 1925, in Philadelphia, Pa., to George and Sarah Diffin. He attended LaSalle High School and went directly into the Coast Guard. After World War II, George continued his interest and studies in electronics. While attending a Loran training program in Clarksville, Ark., he met and married Peggy Audrey Lundquist. George began his career with IBM and Franklin Institute then served 30 years with the Federal Aviation Agency as electronic engineer at Drake Field in Fayetteville, Ark. George never met a stranger because of his curious and outgoing nature. He loved traveling in the U.S., Canada and Europe with family and friends. He was also known to thoroughly enjoy the different foods, beers and wines during his travels. When he was not on an excellent adventure, he often helped friends, neighbors and family with various building, electrical and automotive projects. He was a member of the St. Stephen's Catholic Church. George is survived by his wife, Peggy Diffin; his daughters, Luanne Diffin of Los Angeles and Janelle Wright of Phoenix; and his nieces, Sally Badow of New Britain, Pa., and Susan Fluehr of Alamo, Calif. A Memorial Mass will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 11, 2012, at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Bentonville, Ark., and the burial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 12, 2012, at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the USO. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers. Online condolences may be made at stockdalefuneral.com.