FANNING, Joseph Thomas

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 07/13/2004 Joseph Thomas Fanning, 70, of Eagar died June 19, 2004. He was born May 4, 1934 to the late Joseph T. and Mina J. Fanning. He was a cattleman and lifetime cowboy who will be remembered as a loving father, husband, brother, uncle and friend. Joe passed from this life leaving behind his wife Judy, his first wife and mother of his children, Verna, and his children, Cheryl (and Joe) Conley, Rhonda (and Albert) Miller and Joseph (and Kerry) Fanning Jr. He is also survived by his sister Joan (and Willie) Romer; brother Eugene Donald "Dude" Fanning; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law Joy and Bill Duke, and sister-in-law Yvolle Fanning. Joe was a humble man, but recognized statewide for his innovative techniques in the ranching industry. Accolades from cattlemen associations and soil conservation groups were often received during his tenure as ranch foreman for the Rail N Ranch. He loved to hunt and fish and shared this joy with his family and friends. When Joe left the ranch in the early 80s, he took a position as engineer, draftsman for Mineral Research and Recovery in Ajo and later retired from Royal Star Ltd. to settle in Eagar. He made and sustained lifelong friends that will forever remember his laughter, his sense of humor, his loyalty and his love of life. Services were held June 26 at Adair Avalon Chapel in Tucson, followed by a graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery.