FRENCH, Willard (Judge)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona Judge Willard French died March 8, 2011. He was born Aug. 30, 1933 to James Arthur and Elizabeth French in Fort Worth, Texas. He graduated from North Side High School in Fort Worth. He went to Texas A & M for one semester and then transferred to the Bible Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth, graduating in 1956. While there, he met his future wife Billie Hubbard and they were married Aug. 6, 1954. They had two sons, Wayne and Robert. He was pastor at Cheyenne Baptist Temple in Cheyenne, Wyo. from 1961 to 1965 and then moved to Chattanooga, Tenn., where he continued seminary training until 1966. He was Principal of Temple Heights Christian School in Tampa, Fla., from 1967-68. He later moved to Denver, Colo., and served as Dean of Denver Baptist Bible College West in 1977. He attended the University of Colorado, Boulder and received his Masters of Education in 1976. He moved back to Texas and became Principal of Lewisville Christian Academy and an education lobbyist for Accelerated Christian Education in 1977. He was appointed as a Denton County Commissioner in the mid 1990's and elected Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 in 1996 and retired 12 years later. He married Arleen Hemminghaus of Tempe, Feb. 1, 2004, and made their home in Show Low. He also joined and performed with the White Mountain High Country Barbershop Chorus. Willard is survived by his wife Arleen: two sons Wayne and Robert, and their spouses Diane and Michelle, grandchildren Heath and Justin; sister Mary Elizabeth, Arleen's children Paula and Brian Mueller, Jennifer and Jim Lancaster, Lisa and Mike Haines, Henry Hemminghuas, Philip and Debbie Hemminghaus and Andrew Hemminghaus along with many other nieces, nephews and 11 other grandchildren. Willard was preceded in death by his parents and siblings James Arthur Jr. and Alice Janette. Memorial services will be held at 5 p.m., March 13, at Christ Church Lutheran, 3901 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a donation be made to The Christ Church Lutheran School, 3901 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018. ~~~~~~~~~ The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ April 1, 2011 Judge Willard French memorial service set for April 2, 2011. Judge Willard French died March 8, 2011. He married Arleen Hemminghaus of Tempe, Feb. 1, 2004. The couple made their home in Show Low. He also joined and performed with the White Mountain High Country Barbershop Chorus. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 2 at Shepherd of the Mountain Lutheran Church, 2035 S. Penrod Lane in Pinetop. Brunch will be served immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a donation be made to the Shepherd of the Mountains building fund.
Posted by Sharla on March 13, 2011

Note: These obituaries are transcribed as published and are submitted by volunteers who have no connection to the families. They do not write the obituaries and have no further information other than what is posted within the obituaries. We do not do personal research. For this you would have to find a volunteer who does this or hire a professional researcher.