Former state Rep. George Terwilleger died Sunday morning following a lengthy illness at Hospice of Cincinnati. He was 71.

Terwilleger was born Feb. 3, 1941 in Cozaddale, and had lived in Hamilton Twp. for most of his life.

He started working in the eighth grade and rose to become a highly respected entrepreneur and government official. His impact to local and state issues was tremendous, said Warren County Commissioner Pat South.

“He served during an unbelievable growth period for Warren County,” South said. “He was proud of everything he was involved with and he truly cared about our county. He always had the best interest of the county at heart. Warren County is a better place to live because he was here.”

Terwilleger held public office for 32 years, starting as a Hamilton Twp. trustee from 1970-74. He also was Hamilton Twp. clerk from 1975-79 before serving as a Warren County Commissioner from 1980-92. He finished his career as a state representative from 1993-2000.

“He was a good friend and I’m going to miss him,” said county commissioner and former Sheriff Tom Ariss. “He always took the time to talk to folks. He was always available and was really concerned about what other people’s concerns were. Whatever it took for this county to grow he was all about it.”

Terwilleger earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, attending Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati.

Terwilleger also served as a member of the Ohio National Guard and was active in the community through his service on many civic boards and organizations. He was a member of the Masonic lodge and received his Masonic 33rd degree.

Visitation is will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home in Loveland with a Masonic Lodge ceremony at 8 p.m. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Staff Writer Ed Richter contributed to this report.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2852 or Skip.Weaver@coxinc.com.