PEW, Walter Clayton

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ February 18, 2011 Walter Clayton Pew, 83, died peacefully Feb. 12, 2011, at his home in Show Low from Parkinson's disease. He was born June 23, 1927, in Mesa to Clayton and Virginia Pew. He was the oldest of four children. Walter grew up in Mesa and Phoenix. He attended North Phoenix High School where he met June Rose McCarty. She waited while he served his country at the end of World War II in Korea. They were married Nov. 4, 1947, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. He left to serve a mission Feb. 28, 1948, in West Virginia for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and June supported him. Upon his return he attended Phoenix College and worked for the Rainbow Bakery. They were blessed with three children, Mark, Caroline and Jo Ellen. In 1955, Walter moved to Show Low and started Pew Distributing Company with his father, Clayton. They sold Rainbow Bread, Carnation Milk and later Pepsi Cola products all over the White Mountain area. Walter co-founded the Little League for Show Low in the late 50s with Gib Brewer. He was president of the League for several years and instrumental in building the ball park we enjoy today. He was a coach but more well known as an umpire. In 1966 he was named The City of Show Low Man of the Year for his accomplishments with the Little League and service in the community. He umpired for 40 years and is remembered for his enthusiastic cheering at many sporting events. He enjoyed the youth and worked in the scouting program. He served as an excellent teacher in the church. He enjoyed exploring and hiking, especially in the Salt River Canyon and Cibecue Creek. Walter took wonderful care of his wife June for 23 years after she suffered a massive stroke in 1983. He was a dearly loved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and will be missed greatly by all. Walter's motto was "Hang on Sloopy, Sloopy Hang On!" Walter is survived by his two daughters: Caroline Adams of Show Low and Jody Peterson of Snowflake; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; sister Pat Jorgensen of Show Low and brother Mickey Pew of Show Low. He was preceded in death by his wife, June Rose Pew; son Walter Mark Pew; granddaughter Kyra Adams; and sister Marilyn Lefler. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011 at the Show Low Downtown Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 300 N. 11th Street in Show Low. Visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 18, from 6-8 p.m. at Owens Livingston Mortuary White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low. Concluding services will be held at the Show Low Cemetery. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled arrangements. Those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book are invited to visit website www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.