Dr. Bernard J. George, 72, Liberty Center, died at 1 a.m. Sunday at Heller Memorial Hospital following a long illness.

Dr. George had practiced medicine in Liberty Center from the time of his graduation from Eclectic Medical College in Cincinnati in 1925, until failing health necessitated his complete retirement in May, 1969. He became ill four years ago and since that time his practice had been limited.

A lifelong resident of Northwestern Ohio, he was born in Belmore on November 30, 1896, the son of William George and Lida Fisher. His wife is the former Margaret Miller and they were married on June 18, 1925.

Deeply interested in community affairs, he served on the Board of Public Affairs in Liberty Center for many years. He was Health Commissioner of Henry County from the time of his appointment in 1945 until October 1, 1965. He was currently president of the Liberty State Savings Bank, an office he had held since 1948.

A veteran of World War I, he was a member of Gilbert Baughman Post of the American Legion of Liberty Center and Henry County Chapter of Veterans of World War I.

His professional affiliations include membership in the Henry County Medical Society and American Medical Association.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a son, William, Maumee; a daughter, Mrs. Burdette (Mary Lou) Frysinger, Napoleon; five grandchildren; two brothers, John, Deshler and Noel, Columbus; and two sisters, Mrs. Nana Brown, Ottawa and Mrs. Delia Murray, Ashtabula. A daughter, Jeanette Anne, preceded him in death in 1926 at the age of six months.

Friends may call at the Wesche Funeral Home from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday and from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday. Funeral services, conducted by Reverend Lester Litton, pastor of the Liberty Center United Methodist Church, of which Dr. George was a member, will be held at the mortuary at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Interment will be in Young Cemetery.

The family requests that memorial contributions be designated for the Filling Memorial Home of Mercy, Heller Memorial Hospital, American Cancer Society, or the Heart Fund.