SMALL, Orville E.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ January 20, 2009 Orville E. Small, 85, of Show Low died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009, at his residence. Orville was born June 13, 1923, in Auburn, Maine, the son of Charles and Frances (Ordway) Small. He was raised and attended school in Maine. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, serving his apprenticeship as a machinist at Bath Iron Works building destroyers. He was married to Gladys Geneau Aug. 25, 1945, in Bath, Maine. They came to Arizona in 1955. He owned a machine shop and was a tool and dye maker for Garrett Aerospace in Phoenix. He later owned and operated Prescott Valley Market. Orville received numerous awards and recognition for inventions. He enjoyed woodworking and singing in the church choir. He loved building cabinetry and grandfather clocks. He personally remodeled the homes they owned, and designed and built a swimming pool in one. He was an ardent fisherman and loved traveling. He was a loving and devoted son, husband, father and grandfather. He was a member of Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church, was a Melvin Jones Fellow in the Show Low Chapter of Lions International, member of American Legion Post 76 and was a former member of the Optimist Club. Due to the help and care of RTA Hospice, Orville was able to have some peace in his own home in his final days. Survivors include his wife, Gladys of the home; four sons, Dana (Patty) Small of Show Low, Ron (Karen) Small of Oracle, Dave (Tish) Small of Tucson and Gene (April) Small of Show Low; sister Thelma Daly of Kennebunk, Mass.; three brothers, Charles Small of Yuma, Bob Small of Show Low and Dick Small of Prescott Valley; nine grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, including Bill Curran of Maine. He was preceded in death by his parents and five sisters, Shirley and Juanita Small, Beverly Shaunessey, Arline Martin and Norma Curran. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, at Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church in Snowflake with Father Bill Welch officiating. A luncheon will be held at the church following the Mass. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to RTA Hospice, the Show Low Lions Club or the American Legion Post 76. Arrangements are under the direction of Black's Mortuary of Show Low. Sign an online guest book or offer private condolences at www.blacksmortuary.com.