STIDHAM, Jeffery

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona March 25, 1976 Thirteen year old Jeffery Stidham of Wittmann drowned Tuesday, March 16, while swimming with a friend in a cattle watering tank one half mile south of Patton Road on 204th Avenue in Wittmann. Parents of the victim are Mr. and Mrs. Don Houck. Wickenburg sheriff’s Department officials said the boy died shortly after 1:30 pm. Divers located his body at approximately 4:08 pm in eight feet of water. The boy reportedly did not know how to swim and he had all his clothes on. Witnesses said he entered the water with a friend and began calling for help when he entered deep water. His friend tried to pull him out but Jeffery struggled and the friend was unable to help. Authorities were called. Sheriff’s Deputies Nelson, Retzlaff and Peterson of Wickenburg investigated the incident. The Pond, approximately 180 feet in diameter, serves as a cattle tank. It has also become a picnic area for Wittmann residents. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona March 25, 1976 Funeral services were held Friday, March 19 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Wickenburg for Jeffery Stidham, 13, of Wittmann. Jeffery was the victim of a drowning in a pond near Wittmann on Tuesday, March 13. He was born in Lynnwood, California, and moved with his family to Wittmann one year ago. Survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Don Houck and a sister, Suzanna. Pastor Don Houghton officiated at the funeral service.