George H. Sweet, PhD

George H. Sweet, PhD 83, passed away March 15, 2017, in Wichita, KS. He was born February 4, 1934, in Texhoma, OK, to Edna Gist and Max Sweet. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Rita Craig. He is survived by the love of his life, Dr. Donna E. Sweet, to whom he was married for 41 years; sons, Dr. Leighton (Mary) Sweet of Monterrey, CA and Jason (Colleen) Sweet, of Carmel Valley, CA; daughter, Jenny (Jamie) Richardson of Boise City, OK; 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren whom he dearly loved; and his sister, Nola Beth (Mike) Wolfe of Wichita, KS. George received his bachelors from Wichita State University and his Masters and doctorate from the University of Kansas. He then spent two years at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC doing research. The majority of Georges career was at Wichita State University where he served as a Biology professor for nearly 30 years. He was known for his rigorous, challenging curriculum and he had the highest expectations for his students performance. He was well-respected by both students and colleagues. George and Donna enjoyed traveling, golfing and entertaining. They took numerous trips to Europe and loved learning the culture and customs of various European countries, Italy, being their favorite. For 20 years, they spent part of the winter in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, golfing, dining and loving the beach! George was a long-time member of Willowbend Golf Club and thoroughly delighted in the challenges of the game, often playing four or five times each week. He always managed to amuse his golfing companions, because he was such a stickler for the rules, unless he chose not to be. George and Donna were well-known for their dinner parties and for their amazing ability to entertain 100+ people in their home, most of those events being for Donnas fundraisers and staff parties. No caterer, no wait staff just the two of them doing something together that they both loved. After Georges retirement from WSU in 1991, he assumed the role of the consummate house husband. He was happy doing all of the domestic chores, making sure Donna wanted for nothing as she continued to rise in her career, and as long as he never had to punch a time-clock again. It was the perfect match. Georges humor, compassion, intellect and love for others will be truly missed. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at: The Sweet Emergency Fund (for the care of AIDS patients), 1010 North Kansas, Wichita, Kansas 67214. Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.