SOLOMON, Elbert Drew (Bert)

Elbert Drew (Bert) Solomon, 89, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away on June 25, 2002 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born on the Solomon Ranch, one mile south of Shumway, Arizona on January 28, 1913. He was the sixth of seven children born to Edwin Drew and Elnora Ann Jennings Solomon. He had two brothers, Bill and Ted, from his father's first marriage to Effie Ann Knight (who died at a young age). Bert married Gertrude Shumway on August 10, 1935 in Holbrook, Arizona. The marriage was later solemnized in the Arizona Temple. Shortly after his birth, Bert's family moved to Mesa, Arizona. He was active in sports and drama in high school as much as time would permit. From an early age he was his father's mainstay on the family farm. As a teenager he took over the farm when his father answered a six-month LDS mission call to California. After high school graduation in 1931, during the Great Depression, Bert bought the family ranch near Shumway. There he spent his life farming, dairying, and raising cattle. He and his wife raised a family of six children. He was active in his church and in his community. His service in the LDS Church began when he was a counselor in the bishopric of the Shumway Ward in the 1930's. He also served as Bishop of the Taylor Ward from 1963 to 1973. After retiring from farming he and his wife served as ordinance workers in the Arizona Temple for six years. Bert lived life to the fullest. He had many interests and talents. His greatest joys were his family, farming and church service. His testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ guided all facets of his life. He is survived by his wife Gertrude, of Mesa, AZ, and all six of his children: Bert (Velleda) of Taylor, AZ, Janice (Lin) Lester of San Diego, CA, Gloria (Leon) Palmer of Taylor, Will (Kathy) of Mesa, Sandra (Kirk) Memmott of Spanish Fork, UT, and Patricia (Mike) Munroe of Prescott, AZ. He has 27 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Saturday June 29, 2002 at the LDS Love Lake Chapel, Love Lake Road, Taylor, AZ. Friends may call 7-9 PM Thursday, 6-27-02 at Meldrum Mortuary, 52 N. Macdonald St., Mesa and 1 hour prior to services at the Ward in Taylor. Published in the Arizona Republic June 27, 2002.