REIDHEAD, John Darrell

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 11/11/2011 John Darrell Reidhead, 78, died Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, where he wanted to be, at his Ranch at Shumway, following a short illness. John was born March 27, 1933, close to the same ranch where he lived, to the late John Ralph Reidhead and Grace Reidhead. He was born the second of seven children, and attended the Little Shumway School House, Taylor Elementary and graduated from Snowflake High School. A short time after graduation he was drafted into the Korean War where he served overseas for two years. He drove all kinds of heavy equipment in dangerous situations. He returned to a family who loved him. John was a talented and successful man. He learned many things through example, hard work and the college of hard knocks, such as farmer, cowboy, calf roper, love of good horses, horse trainer, saddle and belt maker; he worked for Reidhead Saw Mill and Reidhead Sand & Rock. He married Nancy Loudon in 1960 and then made many ceramic pots, collectables and sold them. They had many articles printed about their ceramics in art magazines. They had a certain glaze effect they kept secret. He will be greatly missed by many friends, family and his own dear children and grandchild. John is survived by his three children: April (Charles) Halstead of N.M., Polly (Matt) Smith of Mesa, and Tim Reidhead of Phoenix. He is also survived by one grandchild; brother Winn Reidhead; two sisters: Shaila (Bill) Flynn, Margaret Linn, both of Shumway and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by three brothers LeWayne "Pete", Glenn and Carl Reidhead and by one brother-in-lay Wayne Linn. Memorial services were held Tuesday, Nov. 8, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lovelake Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John's name to the White Mountain Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 1975, Lakeside, AZ 85929 To leave and online thought or condolence for the family, visit www.silvercreekmortuary.net . Arrangements were handled by Silver Creek Mortuary of Taylor.