The Stovebolt Site Forums The Back Office The Passing Lane - Stovebolt Memorials George "Wrenchbender Ret." Capito :: 2/4/1934 - 1/21/2025

George "Wrenchbender Ret." Capito
February 4, 1934 -January 21, 2025

George's 1970 Chevy C-10 Stepside in the Legacy Gallery
and his
1972 Chevy C-10 Cheyenne Super in the Gallery Forum.



We are deeply saddened to hear that George passed last night.

Although we've lost some great Stovebolters recently, and over the years, I can't think of anyone (past or present) who better epitomized and personified what we've tried to make this community -- kind, passionate and willing to share.

Never one to get into any of our spirited antics, "differences of opinion" or even stray very far from the trucks, George could always be counted on to provide definitive answers based on a tremendous knowledge bank developed over many decades of hands on old school experience. Even in those rare occurrences when things might have gotten out of hand, just a simple, straightforward factual post from George settled things. He was the Oracle at Stovebolt. He said it and we all answered "Amen" and got to work. He'd never get in the middle of one of "those" discussions, but on one or two occasions I was able to coax him into posting *something* that would settle it before friendships got broken. In his easy way, he'd just post something like "Well, I've always done it this way and its worked. Other folks may have a different way of doing it -- there's usually more than one way to do something and have it work out." Or words to that effect. And the heat would instantly go back to room temps and everyone would go about their business.

My favorite memories of George are from Kansas City and the times we were all fortunate to sit in one of his classes -- whether it was rebuilding alternators, carburetors or any other thing we could coax him into teaching, his quiet, friendly way just made it easy to grasp. To him, rebuilding an alternator was so simple, yet to us it seemed like brain surgery. He made it simple. I can't do brain surgery, but thanks to George, I'm not afraid to rebuild an alternator!

George certainly wasn't the only greybeard old school wizard of knowledge and experience on our site, but he was the Dean. Always friendly, never confrontational. When he felt the need to post, we shut up because it was good, definitive, spot on and ... well, there was just no point in following George other than to say "thanks." It was always comforting to know George was around -- people were going to get helped and they were going to enjoy the process.

Not sure how we will carry on, but we need to. Let's follow his example.

Thank you, George, for all the knowledge, wisdom and kindness.

Shalom, shalom.

Not sure where to start, other than to begin by saying thanks John for starting this Memorial so eloquently in describing a man that I am so thankful to have been able to call a friend.

There are so many things I want to say and share that it will take time to put them together to do justice to George and his memory. For now, until I can put those thoughts and feelings down adequately, I will say I'm going to miss the almost weekly lunch outings with George that I've been blessed to be able to have over the last year and half. The Sunday brunches, car show outings and George's generosity in life are just a few of the things I will keep near to my heart.

Until I can gather my thoughts, Rest In Peace George! Until we meet again my friend!

So sad to hear a few minutes ago about George.
Over the years I've referenced things I've learned from him and merely crediting the knowledge was gained from "WrenchBender" and that was enough to confirm it was well founded. Of late I've been lucky enough to tag along on several lunches and a couple other adventures with He and Dan. I pray for peace for his family; blood and extended and thanks that his passing was without long suffering. We were lucky to celebrate his 90th birthday last year and he was rolling up on his 91st....Good Run Buddy Good Run.

I'm sorry to hear of George's passing. Of course I didn't know him personally, and feel a bit left out because of that. But I feel fortunate to have known him from his helpful and wise posts.

It's a sad day in Stoveboltville.

RIP George.

Sad news, indeed. I never met him, but I came to realise that when it came to these old trucks, he was the most knowledgeable guy on this site. His advice was always the best.

BTW, great post, John.

The Stovebolt reunions in KC were all about getting together with like-minded GM truck guys and connecting faces to the various screen names with us that share this site. In attendance at every event was George. That is where I met him. He was always willing to share his knowledge and experience as well as conduct classes at our grassy spot at Riverside. One couldn't help, but to like and admire the guy.

He owned some nice trucks as well.

RIP my dear Stovebolt friend. You will be missed.

John

A quick update this morning as I have found and can share George's Obituary that was published yesterday.

George "Wrenchbender Ret." Capito

Included in there is the following information on his services:

"A graveside service will be held 11:00 am Friday, January 24, 2025 in the Yukon Chapel at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Raytown, MO, 5529 Ditzler Ave, Raytown, MO 64133"

And from George's partner Rose:

"They will be food and fellowship at Tall Grass Creek at 1:00 PM. I hope you can join us and please tell anyone you know who plans to attend tomorrow."

Posting in case anyone in the area that may be able and wish to attend can do so. I will be there for sure.

Tall Grass Creek
13800 Metcalf Ave.
Overland Park, KS 66223

If you intend to come to Tall Grass Creek, it is a gated retirement community. Please let them know at the gate you are their to visit Rose Hummelgaard and park in the designated guest parking near the main entrance. Then come inside the main entrance and there should be someone t assist in finding the gathering spot.

Sadly, the best of the best are "thinning out". I never met George but as mentioned, greatly respected his knowledge and experience.

Rip from downunder good tributes to George

I was so sorry to hear about George's passing. George was a instrumental part of our Stovebolt Family. I had several dealings with him over my time here, he provides several parts and countless bits of advice on my projects.

George will be missed, Rest in Piece ..

I never met George, but I have read many of his posts over the past few years and they were always written with great compassion, his years of wisdom and expertise. His passing will be felt by all of our Stovebolt community.

Rest in Peace George.

One further update tonight before tomorrow arrives and we get to pay our respects to George. We've been informed that George will get to have one more ride in his beloved 1972 Chevy C10 Cheyenne Super tomorrow. George's partner Rose's son will be driving the truck with George's casket to the cemetery for his final ride.

A fitting tribute IMHO.

RIP Wrenchbender

Rest in peace, George.

A message from the Chevy / GMC Truck Club. George was a long standing member (since 2005) of the Club. Many a member of Stovebolt are also a member of that KC Club.

"It is with much sadness I must tell you that we lost a true friend and supporter of our club. George was an avid car collector. He loved convertibles and old trucks. He restored several cars and trucks and attended many shows and auctions."

"Suggested contributions to Wayside Waifs, Blue Grass Crossing and National Truck Historical Society."

It's very sad to hear of George's passing. I met him numerous times in Kansas City, always chatted with him. I even brought my carburetor along once for him to diagnose. Such a gentle and humble man.

x 2

Just now saw this. Only “met” George once (September Roundup 2023) but certainly feel like I’ve known him for a very long time based on his steady presence here.

Miss you already, Wrenchbender.

My apologies to be getting back so late after George's service and remembrance gathering yesterday. By that time I got home yesterday, I was pretty overwhelmed and needed to take time to try and put things together to best honor George.

George's service was, like him, exceptional. There weren't a huge number of folks there, but those that could attend did, including some Stovebolters you may know (also representing the local Truck Club), immediate family, close friends and long time neighbors of George. George's Rabbi made a big point of reading John Milliman's words from above describing the man George was, and every head in the Chapel nodded in understanding and agreement that this was George through and through.

As mentioned above, George got his final ride yesterday. With the permission of his partner and family members, the below pictures of George's procession from the Chapel to the graveside drive are posted below to honor his memory and wishes.

At the conclusion of the ride, Stovebolters KCMongo, bowtietim and myself were asked to be pall bearers, which we all accepted as an honor to assist our friend to his final resting place. To honor and respect George's faith, each of us were also permitted to place dirt on his burial chamber.

That concluding the service, we traveled to George and Rose's home where we spent the next several hours sharing our stories and memories of George. It was an occasion of remembering George with fun and interesting stories that included lots of laughter and words of respect for the man he was.

I will add these fond memories of my friend George to those I have been so fortunate to share with him and do my best to emulate him. Rest In Peace George. Until we may meet again.

My Wife and I have met George many times over and agree with everything that has already been said.
He will be missed greatly.

Don

RIP George my Stovebolt friend. Always a quick smile and a kind word.

I will definitely miss George and the activities we attended together through the seasons. I would like to add to Dan's post. While we were carrying the casket, a group of five deer ran in front of us. One stopped and glared at us for a minute then went on his way. I felt the presence of George immediately. His funeral service was short and to the point.

Tim

Just been thinking of the many times George and I had conversations. Always a pleasure to chat and exchange ideas. He was always willing to share his knowledge and share a laugh or two. Fond memories will last forever. George, your one of the good ones!!

I remember meeting him for the first time in Kansas City. George even looked "wise". I'm glad to have gotten his input on some of my many questions throughout my truck rebuild. His suggestions were so very valuable to me as they were to the countless others he's helped. Rest in Peace George, and Thank You!

I met George in 2018, both recently widowed, on Match.com. We spent the next 2 years attending country music shows, car and truck shows, a trip to Colorado. We’d attend Sunday ‘matinees’ at a tiny pub in Tonganoxie, KS to enjoy the country entertainer of the week. We spent many evenings at my house, enjoying dinner, tv movies in the living room, and the company of my 3 dogs. The dogs knew immediately we’d found a good friend.

After an early winter of too much snow and ice, I received an email from George asking if I’d consider moving into his house. It took me a week to pack up and do that. We sat out the pandemic together. George couldn’t get by the week without putting on his mask and heading to the grocery store.

Our first car show after that was in a parking garage at 115th and Nall where we had to allow an empty spot between each car. I was new to car shows when I met George. He was looking for his next truck which turned out to be his ‘72 Chevy. I dropped my jaw when I saw it the first time. My family had a new one exactly like it in 1972. Ours was eventually replaced by a 1977 Chevy 4WD. Seeing George’s truck was like a giant step into the past.

We had a quiet, peaceful life together with George’s cat, Pebbles and my dog, Mickey. Cats are pretty independent, but Mickey soon became best buddies with George. I’d tease him about alienating my dog’s affections. We made a good decision to move to Tallgrass Creek after the pandemic. Pebbles left us last September. Mickey waited at the door for George to come back. On Friday we said goodbye to George. On Saturday I sent Mickey to live with my son and family at Tonganoxie. She can chase squirrels again. George had a large group waiting to welcome him home.

George spent a couple of hours each day on the Stovebolt forums or filling his calendar with car shows the next season. Each of you was important in his life.

Roses,

I love your story. I lost my dad in 2016. He had lung cancer that he actually beat but it had taken such a toll on him that it was just unrecoverable. He had a similar partner for the last 5 years and they packed a lot of life into those years. So glad that you both got to leave such a wonderful mark on each other's lives.

I actually never met George but I knew of him well. As described earlier, He watched quietly and when the time came for him to weigh in, it was quiet, direct, and unquestioned fact. Another former member of this site had the same effect on me. I actually got to meet him and he became one of what I consider to be my best friends. Not a lot of show, no boast, just quiet fact. And he too was a virtual encyclopedia of knowledge and experience.

Anyway, I just felt the need to express my feelings. The world would be a better place if we had more and more people like George. Unfortunately, the things that mold the character into such a person seems to be getting more and more rare.

Thank you for bringing me a smile and a happy heart as I read your story.

I am just catching up a little and this is very sad news indeed. I remeber him giving his talk on rebuilding the Rochester , at Kansas City. I am lucky to have the memories of that occasion.
We will miss you , George.