Charles (Phil) McLaws |
| Posted 2009-11-14 by Sharla |
| Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona Wednesday, November 11, 2009 Charles "Phil" McLaws, 81, died on Nov. 5, 2009, in Flagstaff. He was born on Oct. 4, 1928, in Mesa to Del and Gladys McLaws. He had eight brothers and sisters. Mr. McLaws lived in Joseph City and went to school there through his sophomore year. He graduated from Holbrook High School in 1946. He joined the U.S. Navy immediately after graduation with his best friend, Ralph Nuanez. After boot camp in San Diego, he was assigned to electronics radar school on Treasure Island for 42 weeks. He then served aboard the U.S.S Columbus, a heavy cruiser, for the remainder of his enlistment. He was honorably discharged in 1948. He married Barbara Nuanez on Aug. 11, 1950, in Holbrook. Mr. McLaws attended ASU in 1948 and NAU from 1967 to 1968. He earned a degree in auto mechanics and a technology degree from Northland Pioneer College. He also received a Master Mechanic Certification from Chevrolet Motor Division. From 1948 to 1953, he worked for Standard Stations, Jay Manly Mobile, Howard Motors, Safeway and Newman Brother Gulf. From 1953 to 1958 he managed the Newman Brothers Gulf Station in Winslow, and from 1958 to 1962 worked for Cake Chevrolet; from 1962 to 1979 he owned his own business, Phil's Texaco. He was then fleet maintenance supervisor for Northland Pioneer College in Holbrook, retiring in 1992. He became Catholic in 1965. He and his wife, Barbara, renewed their vows on their 50th wedding anniversary at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He became involved in the Cursillo as a director and the Search for Christian Maturity for Teens. He also worked with people with alcohol and other addictions for 47 years through the AA program. He started Boy Scout Troop No. 45 and was Scoutmaster for many years. He was a city councilman for nine years and served as vice mayor of Winslow. He was an avid hunter and trout fisherman. He shared his love for the outdoors with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to work in his garden, tinker with cars, play blackjack and build things around the house. One of his most memorable moments was attending game seven of the 2001 World Series. Mr. McLaws is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara; his son, Charlie (Liz); daughters Cyd (Randy), Joi, (Gary); Kathy (Greg) and Dominique (Jack); brothers Ross McLaws, John McLaws and Del Roy McLaws; six grandchildren; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Del and Gladys, and five siblings. Holy Rosary will be recited Thursday at 7 p.m. at Madre De Dios Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday at 11 a.m. at Madre De Dios, with Celebrant Father Frank Chacon and Father Lawrence O'Keefe. A burial will follow at Desert View Cemetery. The family requests that memorial donations be made to The Madonna House, 213 E. Jefferson, and Local Boy Scout Troop No. 49, C/O Scout Master Matthew Ricks, 321 W. Second St. Condolences can sent to www.greers mortuary.com. See Also: Find A Grave |
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