George Cade was born in Long Beach, California, an only son of Fred and Pearl Cade. He graduated from Downey High in 1946 where he played violin in the school orchestra, was in the glee club and played right tackle on the state championship football team. George graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Following graduation, he served as 1st lieutenant in the US AIR Force during the Korean War. After his military service, George joined his father at Downey Welding & Manufacturing Co., Inc. Over several years, the company built underground and above ground storage tanks for airports and gasoline stations representing Union Oil, Richfield Oil, Gulf Oil, as well as storage tanks for conditioned water applications in agriculture, city facilities, hospitals, apartments and systems in several California State prisons. During the 1950’s Downey Welding built hundreds of filters for swimming pools. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and Water Quality Association.
George was active in his church, a member of Christian Business Men’s Association since 1953, promoted “Day of Prayer” at the Downey City flag pole and program chairman of the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast for 24 years. George was a member of Downey Rotary with perfect attendance for 58 years, a Paul Harris fellow, club photographer, and participated in club activities including YMCA Breakfast and Boy Scout projects. He was active in community affairs over the years including: Downey Community Hospital, Living Help Center, ARC, Downey Rose Float Association and YMCA. George died January 19, 2011 and is survived by his wife, Janet, their three daughters, Jeanne (Bill) Brewer, Jani (Nick) Lopez, and Judy, (Randy) Bevington; grandchildren Cade and Cassidy Bevington and Austin Lopez.