STAMPER, Thomas Reed

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 03/30/2004 Thomas Reed Stamper began his journey through life May 19, 1919 in Campton Wolfe County, Kentucky. When Tom was old enough to attend school his mother moved the family to Middleton, Ohio. In 1937, he left during his senior year in school to join the Navy. Tom was an avid swimmer and competed in swim meets between ships while stationed in Pearl Harbor. On May 19, 1941 his battle group was sent to Ireland. From there he went to the South Pacific as a hard-hat salvage diver. He spent eight years in the Navy ending as a salvage diver/trainer in San Diego. Upon discharge, he settled in Tucson and along with his brother-in-law began co-owning a service station. The ocean called him and he moved to Los Angeles, where he joined the elevator industry. Soon after, he met and married Marie while becoming branch manager in San Bernardino. He retired after 28 years. In 1979, Tom and Marie moved to Show Low. Retirement was not to Tom's liking and after a stint as stock manager for Defender Drug he obtained a real estate license. He spent the next 20 years doing what he loved best, meeting and helping people. He found time to work on the Show Low Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and he also participated as an activities chairman for the Navajo County Board of Realtors. Tom was a life member of the BPO Elks and the VFW. He was also a member of the American Legion. Tom retired in 2003 and ended his journey peacefully March 24, 2004 in Show Low. Tom is survived by his wife, Marie of Show Low; son, Joseph (Rachel) of Redlands, California; grandchildren, Tracee and Scott; two nieces, Karen (Don) Avant of Waterboro, South Carolina and D.D. (Mike) Dietz of Tucson. A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 26 at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Show Low. Interment will be in the Show Low Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Elks National Foundation. See www.owensmortuary.com to sign an online guest book or to leave condolences for the family. Owens Mortuary of Show Low is handling the arrangements.