Philip Bowman "George" Roth , 69, of South Whitley, died unexpectedly of natural causes Thursday afternoon, January 9, 2025, at his home.

Born on June 10, 1955, in Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin, he was a son of the late William P. and Ethel Mae (Bowman) Roth.  Growing up in Sauk Prairie, he completed Grand Avenue Elementary in Prairie du Sac and graduated from Sauk Prairie High School in 1974.  A competitive swimmer, he received a scholarship to Carroll College in Waukesha, WI, where he earned a bachelor's degree in physical education.  He also played semi-professional volleyball.  In 1980, he completed his formal education at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a Master's of Education.

On August 7, 1982, he married Gail C. (Waterson) Burnworth.  They have made their home in South Whitley for the past 43 years.

Embarking on his lifelong career as an educator, he first served as the Physical Education Teacher for South Whitley Elementary School.  He then became the Athletic Director at North Manchester High School, Assistant Principal at Butler Elementary School, and Principal at Coesse Elementary School. He returned to South Whitley Elementary, completing his career as Principal, retiring in 2012.  To keep busy, he joined Walmart in Columbia City as a part-time associate with 12 years of service.  In 2013, he took the position of Principal at the Faith Christian Academy in Columbia City, where he was currently serving.

Passionate about educating and forming good foundations for children, he kept them interested and engaged with his antics and gave them all nicknames.  He coached the local swim team and gave swimming lessons for many years.  He was the girls' volleyball coach at Whitko High School for years. Throughout his life, he liked playing practical jokes on his family and friends.  Full of life, he greeted all with a warm smile.

Enjoying all sports, he was an avid fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and loved taking his kids and grandkids to their games.  A true Cheesehead, he followed the games of the Green Bay Packers and kept a Cheesehead for game day.  He enjoyed golf and bicycling.  Many of his Saturdays were spent with his granddaughter at the park and library, and at every chance possible, he watched his grandkids and great-grandkids play their sporting events.  He leaves behind his furbabies, Oscar and Roxie.  George was a member of the Trinity Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder and Deacon.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 42 years, Gail; children, Christopher (Jana) Burnworth of South Whitley and Corey (Stephanie) of Columbia City; grandchildren, Quinton, Noah, Grace, and Rebecca Burnworth, Keaton (Emily) Anderson and Riley (Braylynn) Anderson; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Paul Roth of Post Falls, ID and a sister, Elizabeth (Robert) Murphy of Hayden Idaho; brothers-in-law, Gary (Jia) Waterson and David (Heather) Waterson; a sister-in-law, Julie (Mark) Frantz;  one niece and five nephews.

Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday (January 16th) at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley, and on Friday, 12 to 4 p.m. at the Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 709 Business 30 West, Columbia City, with a funeral service to follow the visitation.

Memorials in George's honor are to Faith Christian Academy or Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church.