PAVELIN, Thomas (Tom) A.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ November 23, 2007 Thomas "Tom" A. Pavelin died Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007, at his home at the White Mountain Country Club in Pinetop at the age of 94. Tom was born Sept. 24, 1913, in Chicago, Ill. He was a born leader starting with his role as student body president in his Chicago high school. He traveled to Arizona by bus to attend college at Arizona State Teacher's College in Tempe. There, he played football for the Bulldogs, now known as the Arizona State Sun Devils, and was an active member of the Lambda Chi fraternity. Tom graduated with a Bachelor's degree in education. He taught school in Globe where he met and married Margaret "Dolly" Brown June 7, 1939. They were blessed with three children, Thomas Allison Pavelin, Marjorie Ann and Pamela. Tom finished his master's degree at Arizona State University and then moved his family to McNary, where he became the superintendent of schools. He helped to increase the standards in the schools to an accredited level and created equality for all of the teachers throughout McNary. Tom retired in 1978 after devoting 40 years of his life and his love to his students and the education system. When he wasn't working, Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing. He and Dolly enjoyed spending some of their winters in San Carlos, Mexico, or Scottsdale. He was involved in community services in the Rotary and Lion's Clubs and was also an active member of the ASU Alumni Association. Tom was survived by his wife, Margaret "Dolly"; his sister, Louise Pavelin; children Marjorie Smith and Pamela Wood; grandchildren Matti Dwyer, Gina Aller, Rex Gillespie, Shawnah Wilcock, Brian Smith and Audra Bailey; and 15 great-grandchildren that all respected, loved and adored him very much. Tom will be deeply missed by all. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, at Owens Mortuary, 320 North 9th in Show Low. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to RTA Hospice, 1789 W. Commerce Drive, Lakeside, AZ 85929.