MERRIFIELD, William J. (Bill)

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, Arizona, Wednesday, October 23, 2013 William J. “Bill” Merrifield was born Aug. 20, 1926 to Cyril and Florene Merrifield in Globe, Ariz. He grew up in Globe during the Depression years and the family did many things to make ends meet, just as other families had to do during that time. He had many fond memories of working as a youngster at Hill Street School and later Globe High School doing maintenance and repairs with the custodians and maintenance crew. As a boy in junior high and high school he was active behind the scenes with the school plays, dances and other activities. He also served as a manager for the football team. With the outbreak of WWII, Bill left high school to join the Navy and served in the Pacific Theatre. He remembered fondly his war years and loved to share his stories with anyone who would listen. Upon his return from the Navy, Bill went back to high school to obtain his diploma and met his future wife, Joe Ann Cochrane. They married on June 1, 1950 and to this marriage three children were born: Gary, Earl and Janet. Bill and Joe Ann operated several businesses during their marriage, including The Toy Store, The Rag Shop, and he worked as an agent for New York Life Insurance Co. Bill was very civic minded, serving on the Globe City Council and the Globe School Board. He was also instrumental in helping to build the swimming pool at the Community Center recreation area. Many folks in Globe will remember the annual 4th of July festivities with BBQ and fireworks at the Community Center that Bill and others in the community were involved with every year. He looked back with pride on those years of his life, especially being named Globe Man of the Year. Bill was a hard worker and loved to garden, with roses being his specialty. His love for travel took him to Cornwall, England, where he was able to trace the family roots as Cornish tin miners. He also loved trains and in his later years rebuilt a steam locomotive and operated the M & M Shortline Railroad in Cortez, Colo., giving rides to young and old alike. He is survived by his children, Gary Merrifield and wife, Stacy, of Cortez, Colo., Earl Merrifield of Prescott, Ariz., and Janet Ochoa of Safford, Ariz. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Page Merrifield of Cortez, Colo. and Gia Sasser of Safford, Ariz. and one great-grandson, Brayden Sasser. He is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth Fye of Globe, Ariz. and nephew, Robert Fye of Lakewood, Colo. and niece, Kathy Montague of Globe, Ariz. Cremation has taken place and no services are planned. Donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.