RAMON, JR., Jose E. (Pompa)

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona 7/30/2003 - 8/2/2003. Jose E. "Pompa" Ramon, Jr., 66, left this world to join his ancestors on July 24, 2003. He died at his home in Salt River after a 16 year battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife, Ena, brother Douglas, children Michael, Mitchell, Mark, Michele, Roger, Ellen and Liza, 12 grandchildren and 20+ godchildren. He is a graduate of Santa Cruz High School; Eloy, AZ, he served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force. He attended four years at ASU with plans to work in the field of Special Education. His professional career includes law enforcement, Vice Chairman Papago Tribe, HUD Housing Director and Lead Pharmacy Technician at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center from where he retired. He lived a life of service and was especially humbled to have been selected to participate in the Mass for Pope John Paul II. His many awards include Outstanding Native American and Indian Elder of the Year. However, he will be especially remembered as a spiritual leader, for his gift of healing and love for his people and Creator. Wake services will be at 6:00 p.m., Friday, August 1 and funeral Mass at 8:00 am., Saturday, August 2, 2003 at the Memorial Hall, Longmore and Thomas Rds., Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Arrangements by Melcher's Chapel of the Roses, Mesa.