GLIDDEN, Virgil R.

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Tuesday, July 22, 2003 Virgil R. Glidden, 82, of Peoria, AZ, passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on July 18, 2003. Virgil was born to Walter and Etta Glidden on May 7, 1921, in Omaha, Nebraska. For health reasons, - he moved to Glendale, AZ in 1941 where he met and married Earline LaRue, the love of his life, on Dec. 25, 1941. Virgil was first employed by Jim Weed to work at his service station on Grand Ave. Later he worked as a Civilian Fireman at Luke Air Force Base and Fire Chief at Sky Harbor Airport. In 1949, Virgil joined the Glendale Police Dept. as its 8th officer. For the next 34 years, he would serve the City of Glendale first as the department's dispatcher, then as Sergeant in 1963 when he became the city's first full time police investigator. He moved up to Lieutenant in 1967 and Captain in 1974, retiring in 1983 as a highly respected leader in the department. Virgil was also actively involved in the Glendale Sunrise Lions Club. Serving as the current club President, he was also the last of the active charter members. Virgil loved life and lived it to the fullest. He loved his family and his family loved him dearly. He was a wonderful husband, daddy, and granddaddy. His life reflected his love for the Lord. Virgil will be missed by many. Virgil is survived by his wife of 61 1/2 years, Earline; daughters and sons-in- law, Nancy and Richard Ferguson of Peoria, AZ, Patsy and Fred Sweeney of Mesquite, TX, Peggy and Terry Powell of Peoria, AZ; 10 grandchildren, Paula and Dean Gray, Bill Ferguson, Robin Ferguson, Shelley and Brad Bloomer, Jeff Sweeney, Matt and Amy Powell, Melissa Powell, 2 great grandsons, Mark and Michael Ferguson; and a host of family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Glendale Nazarene Church Music Dept. or the Glendale Sunrise Lions Club. Memorial service is at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, July 22, 2003 at Glendale Nazarene Church, 5902 W. Cactus Rd.