HIMEBAUGH, Arthur Elliott

Arizona Republic Phoenix, Az. 19 July 2012 Himebaugh, Arthur Elliott 87, of Phoenix, AZ, returned to his Heavenly Father on July 14, 2012. He was born in Hayden, Arizona on February 28, 1925, to Claude Edwin and Mary Elizabeth Himebaugh. In his growing years he was very active in the Boy Scouts where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and beyond. After graduating from high school he enrolled at the University of Arizona and in 1938 joined the U.S. Marines. While stationed at Quantico, Virginia, he met the love of his life Connie Westervelt, who was working for the G-2 in Washington, D. C. They were married on August 26, 1946 in the Methodist Church in Scottsbluff, Nebraska and moved to Arizona so that Art could continue his education. They were inseparable, loving partners for 64 glorious years, until Connie's passing in 2010. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Debbie and Ted. Art graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.S. degree in Mining Engineering and was presented with his Professional Mining Degree by the University in 1963. He worked his entire 40-year professional career for Phelps Dodge Corporation, starting in Bisbee, Arizona and concluding in Phoenix, where he was Vice President and General Manager of Operations. His distinguished career was framed on the principles of integrity, trust, fairness and dependability, and he was known for his ability to lead and inspire others to be successful as well. Art had a sixth sense for mining that helped guide the Company to significant successes during both good and difficult times in the copper industry. Notwithstanding his professional achievements, his most important contributions in life were as a loving and sacrificing husband and father, who was also a Christ-like example of love and concern for others. He was involved in several civic organizations, a devout Christian, and a member of the Presbyterian faith, serving the Lord as a teacher, Elder, and selfless contributor to church and charities. Survivors include daughter Deborah "Debbie" Wood; son Theodore "Ted" (Carla) Himebaugh; niece Mary Giltner; six grandchildren who knew and adored him as "Grandy" and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Grace Giltner. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 20th at Valley Presbyterian Church, 6947 E. McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley, AZ 85253. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014 or the Valley Presbyterian Foundation at the church. Arrangements by Messinger Indian School Mortuary, Scottsdale, AZ.