STUART, Jack Darrel

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 12/30/2005 Jack Darrel Stuart, 73, died Dec. 24, 2005 at his home in Pinetop. Jack was born March 5, 1932 to Basil and Thelma (Reidhead) Stuart. Although he was born in Phoenix, Jack was raised in Pinetop, and considered the White Mountains to be his home. Jack went to school at the Pinetop Grade School and then the McNary High School. Jack left school to enlist in the Army during the Korean Conflict Era. In 1950, Jack married his childhood sweetheart, Jean Nelson. They had three children, Darla, Rick and Carol. Jack went to work for Southwest Forrest Industries in McNary. Later, he went to work for Western Wood Products Association, based out of Portland, Oregon. He was a Lumber Quality Control Inspector. This job took him all over the country. Jack was a hard worker, but he also enjoyed life. He loved good food. He loved the outdoors. Hunting and fishing were a few of his favorite activities. He also loved to picnic with his family. If he was somewhere that he could hear the wind in the pines, he was happy. His family and friends were his true treasures. We will always remember him as being a "gentle man," as well as a "gentleman." He was our Knight in Shining Armor. Jack leaves behind his sweetheart, Jean, their children Darla (Jody) Cromwell of Lakeside, Rick (Barb) Stuart of Phoenix and Carol (Jeff) Barefoot of Palisade, Colo.; six grand children, Neal Cromwell, Tiffany Martinez, David Stuart, Brianne Stuart, Sarah Barefoot and April May, two great-grandchildren, Aspen Martinez and Dusty Woods; his sister-in-law, Charlotte Stuart; one sister, Colleen (Bud) Tillman. He was preceded in death by his parents Basil and Thelma Stuart, one sister, Ruby, and one brother, Jerry. He was loved by all and will be missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to RTA Hospice of the White Mountains, 1789 W. Commerce Dr. Lakeside, AZ (928) 368-4400. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at Owens Mortuary Chapel in Show Low. Online condolences can be sent to www.owensmortuary.com.