HARGETT, John William

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 10/09/2015 John William Hargett, 61, of Phoenix died Oct. 4, 2015, in the Mogollon Rim forest. John was a country western singer and songwriter. He was born, raised and lived in Arizona. A cowboy whom stayed true to the western spirit and entertained many with a distinctive and powerful voice. The American Cowboys Association said John “would be their official western balladeer if they had one.” He added a repertoire of western sounds that no one else could reduplicate. He was an original. In his career, John toured in Canada as the opening act for western singer Don Williams. John’s songs, “Cowboys in Town” and “A Restless Dream,” were the first two singles that hit the top 50 radio charts of Europe. He had a passion for the cowboy life and made several trips to help his friend race in Canada’s famous Chuck Wagon Races. He was a self-taught musician with a great command of the guitar, storytelling, rodeos and helping family and friends. He was a kind soul. He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Hargett; former wife, Patricia; sister Lallah; and brother-in-law Ted Sparks. “Cowboy John” is survived by his wife, Liz; mother Margaret; sisters Anita and Sharon; brother Robert; daughters Holly, Heather and Jennifer; three grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Oct. 10, at St. Francis Cemetery on 48th Street and Oak in Phoenix, followed by a celebration of life at Messenger Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Road, in Scottsdale. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Northern Arizona University Cathrine B. Adel Private Music Lessons Scholarship. Messinger Indian School Mortuary handled arrangements. They are located at 7601 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. For directions or information, call 480-945-9521.