PEREA, Frank Richard (Richie)

Vining Funeral Home, Safford, Arizona Frank Perea, age 78, of Thatcher, entered into eternal rest early Sunday morning, February 9, 2014, at the Tucson Medical Center, following a brief illness. A Celebration of Frank's Life will be conducted Saturday, February 15, 2014, at 10:00 a.m., at Vining Funeral Home's "Chapel of the Valley". Military honors will be conferred by the Gila Valley Veterans Honor Guard. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Frank Perea please visit our Sympathy Store. ~~~~~~~~ The Eastern Arizona Courier, Safford, Arizona, Saturday, February 15, 2014 Frank Richard Perea, or “Richie” as he was known by all, was born Nov. 17, 1935, in Clifton. He was the second child of Refugia “Cookie” and Frank Perea. Richie and Manuel “Sonny” enjoyed an active and happy life in Clifton with many cousins and wonderful and loving grandparents. In 1956, during his senior year of high school, Richie voluntarily enlisted in the United States Air Force. He and his brother were together in New Orleans and in Biloxi, Miss. Frank later served the next four years during the Cold War as an air traffic controller in Europe, monitoring both American and Russian fighter planes over Germany. Following a short stint in Burbank, Calif., where Richie was a licensed mortician, he met and married Sharon. Soon thereafter, he returned to Arizona. Richie worked and retired from Phelps Dodge Mining Corporation in Morenci. He also developed a love for cars. Richie was extremely proud of his ability to restore and showcase his many classic cars. In his active years, he was a member of the Graham County Search and Rescue, serving with air and ground support. While residing in Safford, Ronda Mullens was his loving companion for many happy and productive years. Also, his beloved dog filled his heart with joy. Richie entered into eternal rest early Sunday morning, Feb. 9, 2014, at the Tucson Medical Center, following a sudden 24-hour catastrophic illness. Thankfully and gratefully, his brother, Charlie, his sister-in-law, Gloria, and Ronda were with him in his final hours. Richie leaves to mourn: his two brothers, Dr. Manuel Perea (Patricia), of Saginaw, Mich., and Charles Perea (Gloria), of Mesa; his aunt, Julia Perea, of Houston; two nephews, Zachary Perea (Robyn) and their children, Junior and Jason, of Casa Grande, and Chaz Perea, of California; a niece, Heather Beering (John) and their children, Andrew and Catherine. Richie was predeceased by: his mother, Refugia “Cookie” Moran Perea; and his father, Francisco Perea. A celebration of Frank’s life will be conducted Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014, at 10 a.m., at Vining Funeral Home’s Chapel of the Valley by Pastor David Chapman of The River Community Church. Military honors will be conferred by the Gila Valley Veterans Honor Guard. Online condolences may be offered at viningfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.