Lt. Col. George Morrison Lightner Jr.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his brother, Samuel L. Lightner.

George is survived by the love of his life, Patricia L. (Turnbaugh) Lightner, whom he married on Aug. 30, 1958, at Juniata United Methodist Church; his loving daughter, Tina L. (John) Lightner-Morris of Gaithersburg, Md.; nieces, Judy Hollend and Cindy Stevens; and a nephew, Kenny Hollend.

George was Catholic by faith and a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Altoona.

After graduating from Juniata Valley High School, George went on to join the 491st Engineer Battalion of the Army Reserve in Huntingdon. He entered into active duty in 1957 and advanced to the rank of Staff Sergeant before receiving a direct commission as a Second Lieutenant. Lightner served on various army intelligence assignments, often as a field operative in Vietnam, Thailand, Japan and Panama. He received a Bachelor of Science and later a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arizona, Tucson, and a Master of Business Administration from Tulane University in New Orleans, La.

Retiring from the U.S. Army in 1991, LTC Lightner owned and operated a shipping brokerage business in Baltimore, Md., before again retiring and returning to his place of birth in Alexandria in 1999.

George loved all things outdoors, including the trees, flowers, plants and many outdoor activities including hunting and fishing.

Friends and family will be received from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Santella Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Interment will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent in George’s name to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 806 11th St., Altoona, PA 16602.

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