Fielding Merwin McGehee |
| Posted 2009-06-14 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, May 12, 2009 Fielding Merwin McGehee Jr., 84, of Prescott, Ariz., born Nov. 17, 1924, in Natchez, Miss., passed away May 10, 2009, in Prescott. A celebration of Fielding's life will take place at a later date. Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Homes assisted the family with final arrangements. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Monday, June 01, 2009 Fielding Merwin McGehee, Jr., long time resident of Prescott, Ariz., died May 10, 2009. He was born Nov. 17, 1924 in Natchez, Miss. to Fielding M. McGehee, Sr. and Clara (Lattie) Reber McGehee. Married Helen F. Ewell of Charlottesville, Va. since 1946. Dr. McGehee held BS and MS degrees in physics from the University of Alabama, and a PhD in physics from the University of Virginia. He worked many years as an operations analyst for the U.S. government and for private industry. He then became a professor, teaching physics at several colleges, including Haile Selassie I University in Ethiopia as well as Prescott College. He developed the physics department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott from which he retired in 1989 as Professor Emeritus. Retirement did not end his service as an educator. As a long-term falconer, he developed a popular school program featuring rehabilitated raptors. His "Physics is Phun" program was also popular in schools around Arizona and across the country. For years he hosted three annual children's events at his home: a summertime mud party, an Easter egg hunt, and a Halloween maze. He is survived by his wife of 62 years; four children; numerous grandchildren; beloved in-laws; and many good friends. Widely known for his humor, his smile and his unfailing courtesy, his epitaph could easily be, "Here lies a gentleman who happens to be a Southerner." A Celebration of Life will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Family Funeral Homes in Prescott, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Prescott Public Library, 215 E. Goodwin St., Prescott, AZ 86305 or to Sharlot Hall Museum, 415 E. Gurley St., Prescott, Ariz., 86301. Visit Fielding's guestbook at www.ruffnerwakelin.com. Information provided by survivors. |
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