He was born January 30, 1943, to Robert Ray and Iva Amelia (Reiff) Teagarden. He married Loretta Anderson, on February 12, 1967, who survives him. They met on a blind date at Kansas State University where he earned a B.S. in Animal Husbandry. Together they built a life centered on family, community, and stewardship of livestock and land.
George spent his lifetime engaged in the beef industry. Since 1979, he owned and managed a successful commercial cow/calf operation. Earlier in his career, he worked on several ranches with both purebred and commercial herds. He had a special way with livestock and appreciated good cattle, good horses and good dogs.
From 1994 to 2010, George served as Livestock Commissioner with the Kansas Animal Health Department. Under his leadership, Kansas achieved certification as TB- and brucellosis-free, although he was quick to credit the efforts of cattle producers and the department staff who worked for years to eradicate the diseases. He spearheaded the creation of a comprehensive foreign animal disease response plan, ensuring the continued health and safety of the state’s livestock industry.
George also dedicated 14 years to public service in the Kansas Legislature. He was first elected in 1980, serving parts of Anderson, Franklin, Linn, and Miami counties. His leadership roles included serving on several key committees, most notably as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. He was an advocate for agriculture, education, and health care. As a Democrat, George was respected by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle and was known for his ability to get past partisanship to move policy forward, improving the lives of all Kansans.
George was a 50-year member of the Kansas Livestock Association and a member of the La Cygne Masonic Lodge. He served on the Executive Committee and was a past president of the Kansas Junior Livestock Show. He enjoyed helping youth develop leadership skills and learn about agriculture. He supported 4-H and FFA and served as a chapter advisor for Alpha Gamma Rho, his college fraternity. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.
George is survived by his wife, Loretta; brother John Teagarden and sister-in-law Candy, and brother Richard Teagarden, of La Cygne; his children Matt Teagarden and wife Stephanie of Topeka, Wade Teagarden and wife Christine of La Cygne, and Marcie Caldwell and husband Matt of Parker; his grandchildren Allie Teagarden and husband Kale Monk, Josie Teagarden, Claire Caldwell, Creed Caldwell, Wylie Teagarden, Will Caldwell, Justus Teagarden, and Ethan Teagarden; and great-granddaughter Andie Monk.
He will be remembered for his steadfast leadership, his commitment to agriculture, and his service to the people of Kansas. Above all, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the La Cygne United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, September 7, at the Schneider Funeral Home in La Cygne, beginning with a Masonic service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the La Cygne United Methodist Church (Parsonage Fund) or the Prairie View High School FFA Boosters and sent in care of Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box 304, La Cygne, KS 66040.
