SMITH, Edmund D. (Ed)

Vining Funeral Home, Safford, Arizona Edmund D. Smith April 22, 1920 - May 26, 2013 Long time Arizona resident, Edmund D. Smith, passed away early Sunday morning, May 26, 2013, at his home in Safford. Services were conducted on May 31 at the First United Methodist Church in Safford, officiated by Reverend Bob Holliday. Ed was born in Bisbee, on April 22, 1920. In 1927, he moved with his parents to Dos Cabezas. He graduated from Willcox High School in 1938. Following graduation, he worked for Consolidated Mining Co. in Dos Cabezas. In 1939, Ed moved to Morenci, where he worked for Phelps Dodge Co. (PD). During this time, he met and married Ida Mae Goodspeed. Shortly thereafter, he entered the U.S. Navy during WWII. When he was honorably discharged in 1946, he returned to Morenci where he worked for PD a total of 33 years. The last seven years with PD, he worked as a Welding Forman. Ed and his first wife, Ida Mae, then purchased the Clifton Lumber Company and operated it until they retired in 1986. Ida Mae passed away in 1993. In 1994, Ed married Jane Hudman of Safford. Ed and Jane resided in Safford and were married for nearly 19 years. Ed gave much of his life in service to others. He was a member of the Masonic Order for 72 years. He held the position of Master of the Corinthian Lodge No. 18, F&AM. and Safford Lodge No. 16, F&AM. for both lodges’ 100th anniversaries. Ed also held a dual membership in Willcox Lodge No. 10, F&AM. In April 2012, he received an extraordinary recognition for his 70 year membership with the Masonic Order. He was also a member of the York Rite in Safford, Scottish Rite in Tucson and Mt. Graham Shrine Club in Safford. He served terms as the Worthy Patron of the Morenci and Arcadia chapters of the Eastern Star. Ed was a member of the Clifton City Council, two time president of the Clifton-Morenci Rotary Club, a member of the Clifton Elks, served on the board for SEACUS for eight years and a member of the Safford American Legion. He and Jane were devout members of the First United Methodist Church in Safford. Ed is survived by: his wife, Jane; his daughters, Sally Butler (Dale) and Susan Villarreal (Stephen); five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two step-children, Glen Hudman (Beverly) and Diane Beling (Dave); numerous great-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Ed was loved and respected by all.