JAMES BURRELL MEIGS, JR.
1917 – 1998
Born in Chicago, Illinois, son of J.B. Meigs, advertising director of Hearst's 'American Weekly'. Attended Todd School for Boys in Woodstock, Illinois, then Ashville School in North Carolina. After graduating from Ashville, he attended Iowa State University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1939 having majored in animal husbandry. He also played football for the Iowa State team and was a member of the Phi Kappi Psi fraternity. During his years at Iowa State, he saved his lunch money to afford flying lessons which led to his becoming one of the youngest Captains in the U.S. Air Force where he served as Chief Pilot of the South Pacific ATC, and was said to be one of the finest pilots by many of his contemporaries. During college, he and his best friend Henry Wilder toured the country on their Harley- Davidson Hogs, sometimes preaching at small churches around Iowa.
He came to Arizona in 1945 to manage the family ranch in the San Rafael Valley near Patagonia. He had great love for his country and dabbled in politics. He was Chief Flight Instructor at Marana Air Field while working in the insurance business.
He resided in Palm Beach, Florida from 1963 to 1990 where he owned and operated a European antique business allowing him to travel extensively around the world.
His true passion was aviation, logging over 13, 000 hours. He was a true outdoorsman, hunter, fisherman and an athlete. He loved all good music and could sing most of it.
Survived by his four children, James B.(Colleen) Meigs, III of Tucson, Leslie A. Meigs of California, Heidi M. Baldwin and Tyler A. (Stephanie) Meigs, both of Tucson; and his nine grandchildren; his brother, William S. (Patricia) Meigs of Tucson; and sister, Barbara Taylor of California. Also survived by his wife, Maria Smith Meigs.
He led a rich, full life and will be greatly missed by many.
Memorial Service will be held 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 9, 1998 at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church, 4440 N. Campbell Ave.
BROWN, Nadine, age 73, of Green Valley, formerly of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 1998 and is preceded in death by her husband, Ray W. Brown. She is survived by her daughter, Debra Wilmot of Bosque Farms, New Mexico; son, R.C. Brown of Green Valley, Arizona; sisters, Catherine Myers and Marcella Galbreath of Tucson and Sister Louise Caspell of Abilene, Texas; and six grandchildren. Mrs. Brown was a beloved mother and grandmother who will be deeply missed. Services will be held 2:00 p.m.Sunday, September 6, 1998 at ARIZONA MORTUARY, 7 E. University Boulevard at Stone, with Rev. Ron Carter of Desert View Baptist Church officiating. An additional service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the French Mortuary Chapel, 1111 University N.E., Albuquerque, New Mexico. Interment at Sunset Memorial Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
DYKSTRA, Marvin P., 66, of Tucson, passed away September 4, 1998. Survivors include his loving wife of 47 years, Lois; children, William Andrew (Leslie) Dykstra, Susan (Michael) Edgington, Ryne Dykstra, Amy (Jack) Lightfoot of Denver, James Dykstra; four grandchildren; one brother, Clarence Dykstra of Illinois and two sisters, Verna Huizenga and Marian Vogel also of Illinois. Friends may call at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, an aftercare provider, 5801 E. Grant Rd., Monday, September 7, 1998 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at EAST LAWN PALMS CHAPEL, Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at East Lawn Palms Cemetery.
EVANGELIST, Sam, 88 years old, died August 29, 1998, Saturday in Tucson. Born on May 6, 1910 in Rochester, New York. Survived by two daughters, Stephanie Desino and Marion Marinetti; son, Stephen Evangelist; brother, George Evangelista; three grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held Sunday, September 6, 1998 at WOLFREY PEACE CHAPEL, 5225 E. Speedway at 1:00 p.m.
FACCIO, Clayton C., 92, of Tucson, passed away September 2, 1998. Preceded in death by father, Cayetano Faccio; stepfather, Antonio Munoz; mother, Mercedes; brother, Henry. Survived by daughters, Betty, Lolita Faccio and Sandy Williams; sons, George (Marcia) and Clayton Faccio Jr.; sisters, Nellie Pain (Henry) and Lena Lopez; brothers, Al Faccio (Grace), Ernie Faccio (Babs) and Frank Faccio. Also survived by seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The family expresses thanks to hospice staff and the entire staff at Devon Gables for their loving care. Visitation will be heldon Tuesday, September 8, 1998 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY, North Chapel, 204 S. Stone Ave. Cremation will follow . In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY, INC..
PRISER, Robert L., born May 28, 1921, peacefully entered into rest on August 28, 1998, with his family around him. He is survived by his wife, Jill; his sister, Dorothy Williams of Irving, Texas; his son, Larry Priser of Tucson; his daughters, Valerie Priser of Tucson; and Linda (Pancho) Zenizo of Sierra Vista; his grandson, Alex Robert Zenizo; and granddaughter, Heather; as well as many nieces and nephews. He spent his youth in Tucson and in Ohio, and graduated from Tucson High. He attended the University of Arizona before joining the 71st Eagle Squadron of the Royal Air Force during WWII as a fighter pilot flying many missions over Germany. When the American pilots were transferred to the 8th Army Air Force, he was named Squadron Leader of the 353rd Squadron. While stationed in Debden, England, he met Jill and they were married on Christmas Day, 1943. In January 1944 he was shot down over Belgium and was hidden by the Belgian Underground for nine months until Brussels was liberated. For his military service, he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, they moved to the U.S. and finally settled in Tucson, where he joined Hughes Aircraft as an engineer, retiring after 30 years of service. During his retirement he enjoyed building and flying radio control model airplanes, and was a member of the Tucson Radio Control Club, enjoying many happy hours at the flying field. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
CHEELY, Bertha (nee Brittain), was born on January 22, 1918, in Bisbee, AZ, and passed away on September 3, 1998. She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Raymond Cheely; and children, Raymond Darren 'Skip' (Tena) Cheely of AK, and Dawn Michelle Martin of Sahuarita; grandchildren, Raymond Darren 'R.D.', Rochelle Diana Williams, and Ryan Douglas (Heather) Cheely of AK and Kimberly Anne, Joshua Aaron, Jonathan Andrew, and Kristen Ariel Martin of Sahuarita; and great-grandsons, Alex Ray Williams and Toren Curtis Cheely of AK.
'Bert' was the eighth child, seventh daughter born to AZ/NM pioneers William Hamilton and Lavonia (nee Evans) Brittain who homesteaded in the Animas and Playas Valleys of New Mexico early in the century. Bert is survived by brothers, J.W. 'Jack' (Betty) Brittain of Pryor, OK, and J.A. 'Sally' (Emma) Brittain of Douglas, AZ; and sisters, Hazel Smith of Scottsdale and Charlotte (Jim) Knox of OR; and by many nieces and nephews.
The Cheelys resided in AK before retiring to the Sahuarita area a few years ago.
This lovely, irreplaceable, irrepressible lady will be as sadly missed by her earthly family as she will be joyously welcomed home by her Eternal Family.
DILLON, Doris J., 76, of Tucson, died September 4, 1998. Wife of Kenneth of Tucson; mother of Carolyn J. Madron of CO; Douglas A. Dillon of Tucson. Also survived by four grandchildren. Burial will be in Colorado Springs, CO. Local arrangements by ABBEY FUNERAL CHAPEL, 3435 N 1st Ave. (888-1111).
ESCALANTE, Juana, 94, of Tucson, passed away September 4, 1998. Daughters, Rita Gastelo, Mary Escalante, Rafaela (Joe) Verdugo, Jessie (Ignacio) Guzman, Nellie Trujillo; sons, Miguel (Becky) Escalante, Juan (Marilyn) Escalante, Jose (Maria) Escalante. Also survived by 26 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; and 21 great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 1998 at 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY, South Chapel, 240 S. Stone Ave., with Rosary recited 7:00 p.m. Mass will be offered at 9:00 a.m. at St. Margaret's, 801 N. Grande Ave. Interment to follow at Rincon Memorial Cemetery. Ms. Escalante was the last member of the pioneering Escalante family which homesteaded the Rincon Valley. Arrangements by CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY, INC.
FEE, Florence A., 81, died September 2, 1998 in Carondelet Hospice Unit, where she had been a resident for one week. Born December 27, 1916 in Homer City, PA, she was a daughter of James Clarence and Annie Margaret Baker. June 17, 1939, she married Glenn W. Fee who died in May 1996. In 1952 she and her husband moved to Oil City, PA, where she was an active member of the Grace Methodist Church. In 1980 she and her husband moved to Tucson, AZ. She was a charter member of the Tucson Lioness Club and served as President and at the time of her death as Club Chaplain. She was the originator of the Gingerbread Doll Program, in which the Lioness Club made gingerbread dolls for the University Medical Center Pediatric Dept. She was a volunteer for the Tucson Metropolitan Ministry, Tucson Association for the Blind, Salvation Army and Travelers Aid Society of Tucson. In 1991 she received a Copper Letter from Mayor Tom Volgy in recognition of her dedicated volunteer efforts with Tucson Metropolitan Ministry. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church particularly in her Homebuilders Class and the United Methodist Women. Surviving are two sons, Robert V. Fee of Bradford, PA and James R. Fee of Oil City, PA; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; one brother, Albert Baker of Virginia; and two sisters, Laura Barnett and Mary Jane Pease, both of Tucson. She was preceded in death by one sister. A Memorial Service for Florence A. Fee will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 16, at the First United Methodist Church, 915 E. 4th Street.
GRIFFIN, Richard E., Jr., age 41, of Tucson, passed away September 4, 1998. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; parents, Richard and Henri Griffin; sister, Carol (Lee) Piette; nephews, Ben, Dillon, and Wyatt Piette and Joshua Ellentuch; aunt, June Foster of Sierra Vista; uncles, Bernard Reinold of Reno, Nevada, and Thomas L. Reinold of Sherwood, Arkansas; and many cousins. Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by ARIZONA MORTUARY, an aftercare provider.
KLUG, Paul H., born in Wittenberg, WI on September 18, 1942, the son of the Rev. Alvin T. Klug and Doris Klug, departed this life on Friday, September 4, 1998. He was preceded in death by his mother. Survivors are his father, Alvin T. Klug; a brother, Alvin G. Klug of Wausau, WI; a sister, Rebecca Doris Klug of Sedona, AZ; three children, Rebecca, Jerusa, and Parnell; and one grandchild. Friends may call at the ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Dodge Chapel, 1050 N. Dodge Blvd (at Speedway) on Monday, September 7 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will take place on Tuesday, September 8 at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.
LAWSON, Mary 'Tillie', passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Wednesday, September 2, 1998 after a courageous fight with cancer. Tillie was born in El Paso, Texas on July 29, 1934. She was married to her loving husband, Andy, for 39 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend. Tillie was involved in pre-school for over 25 years. Her unique, loving style touched and shaped the hearts of countless children as well as teachers and parents. She always put family and friends before herself.
She will always be remembered for her cheerful smile and delightful laughter. Tillie is survived by her husband, Andy; sons, Ralph and Roy; daughter-in-law, Susan; grandsons, Scott, Skylar, and Chandler; along with four sister and three brothers.
The family expresses its appreciation to the Hospice Staff at Carondelet and the continuous support and prayers from relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Carondelet Hospices Services or to a favorite charity on Tillie's behalf.
Rosary will be recited 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 7 at BRING'S MEMORIAL CHAPEL. Mass will be offered 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 8, 1998 at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone. Entombment in Holy Hope Mausoleum. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 7, at BRING'S MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 236 S. Scott.
ROBBINS, James III, born February 4, 1931 in Wadsworth, Ohio, died August 30, 1998, Tucson, AZ. Survived by his wife, Virginia (Ginny) Robbins; daughters, Mary Lynne (George) Henning, Susan Lynne (Jim) Wagener, James Robbins IV, and Terry Lynn (Darrell) Boyer; stepsons, Jim (Brenda) Blackman and Don (Luane) Blackman; brother, Dave Robbins; sisters, Gloria Picard, Corinne Crompton and Mary Kouba; 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, plus many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, James and Marie Robbins; son, Todd J. Robbins and a sister, Sally Huffman. Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 8, 1998 at Christ Community Church, 7801 E. Kenyon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Christ Community Church in memory of James Robbins III. Graveside Services and burial will be at the Woodlawn Cemetery, Wadsworth, OH. Arrangements by East Lawn Palms Mortuary, Tucson, AZ.
Eva L. Spaeth died August 29, 1998. Eva was born August 22, 1916 in Shennington, WI, to Agnes and Archie Leemon. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Earl Spaeth. She is survived by her son, Michael Spaeth and sister, Ruth Klinner, both of Tucson and also several cousins. Eva was an active member of the VFW Auxiliary No. 10, 008 and the Cooties Auxiliary No. 2 Post 549. She also did volunteer work at the VA Hospital. She will be dearly missed by her friends and family.
Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 10, 1998 at EAST LAWN PALMS CHAPEL, 5801 E. Grant Rd., an aftercare provider. Interment will be at East Lawn Palms Cemetery.
Sylvan 'Buddy' Weiner, 81, of Tucson, died September 3, 1998. Survived by daughters, Barbara LaWall and Susan (Charles) Schwarz of Tucson; sisters, Celia Sager and Norma Rotkopf of Middletown, NY; grandchildren, Sara (Michael Alvarado) LaWall of Los Angeles, CA, Cori Schwarz and Chad Schwarz, both of Tucson; several nieces and nephews including nieces, Ellen Goldberg of Tucson and Jane Little of Yuma; grandniece and nephew, Joy Little of Tucson and Michael Little of Homer, AK. Preceded in death by wife, Laura Weiner, September 10, 1987; his brother, Eli Weiner; and sister, Evelyn Kahlman. Chapel Service 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, EVERGREEN MORTUARY. Buddy Weiner was a member of Knights of Pythias Lodge #9, Tucson and Sabbar Shrine Temple. He was a volunteer for Handi-Dogs and Tucson Arthritis Foundation. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation of Tucson, 6464 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, AZ 85715. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY, N. Oracle & W. Miracle Mile.
BROWN, Sallie Elizabeth, 91, died September 6, 1998. Mother of Phyllis (David) Fox; grandmother of Martha (Robert) Ludwig, Andrew (Susan) Fox, Elizabeth (Robert) Bowen and Henry (Allyson) Fox; 18 great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 9th at the LDS Stake Center, 939 W. Chapala. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. to service time in the Relief Society Room at the church. Arrangements by BRING'S MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 236 S. Scott.
