George Debo
George Joseph Debo age 85 of Goodyear, Arizona passed away peacefully in his home on November 14, 2018. George was born in Brooklyn, New York to George and Francis Debo on May 21, 1933. At age 18, he entered the Navy where he served on the USS Tilefish during the Korean War.
After the navy, George landed in Seattle Washington where he graduated from the University of Washington and started his family. George was an entrepreneur owning several businesses. In 1978, George married Nichola Jones and together they owned and operated the Clog Factory in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood.
George was unique – one of a kind. He had a big personality and even bigger opinions, which he shared freely. He enjoyed PebbleCreek where he played bridge, cribbage, bingo and bocce ball. George loved the history of the Old West and he and Nicky could be found exploring many of Arizona’s historical sites.
George was a voracious reader and loved doing crossword puzzles and eating ice cream! One of George’s many loves was animals, especially his cats.
He is survived by his wife of forty years Nichola Debo, their three cats, his daughter Georgene Faries (Scott), son Gregory Debo (Jill), son Christopher Courter, ten grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, his sister Dolores Fash and many nieces and nephews. George is preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Andrea O’Brien (Mark).
A celebration of George’s life will be held on January 11, 2019 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. with an open house at George and Nicky’s home in PebbleCreek.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Banner Hospice or Mutts on a Mission are encouraged.
Banner Hospice: 275 E. Germann Road, Suite 110, Gilbert AZ 85297
Mutts on a Mission: PO Box 1976, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
Patrick Neely
Patrick passed away peacefully on November 7, 2018 at home. He was born June 14, 1936 in Gary, Indiana. His parents were Mary Schultz and David Neely. He moved to Whittier, CA to live with his dad, after the death of his mother. He and Wendy met while juniors in high School. They were married 63 years and enjoyed many family activities with their three boys, such as sports, camping and student exchanges with Orange Sister City Association in CA. He is survived by Gregory (Mary), Steven and Douglas. The eldest boy, Kevin, died in infancy. He has one grandson, Joshua, and one great granddaughter, Kayla.
He retired as Accounts Receivable Manager at the corporate office for Prudential Overall Supply in Irvine, CA (clean room and laundry processors). He was an active member of the Men of “I Am” at Christ Presbyterian Church and the PebbleCreek Christian Men’s Association. He was also an active member of the Model Railroad Club and enjoyed construction projects and working with the other members.
Ronald Popejoy
Ronald George Popejoy, age 72 of Goodyear, AZ died November 26, 2018 in Goodyear, AZ. He was born October 8, 1946 in Dodge City, KS to Glen and Nola Popejoy. In 1968 George received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Kansas State Teachers College. He taught high school social studies for two years in Strong City, KS. In 1970 he became the owner of Popejoy Highway Construction Company where he worked for the next 18 years. After retirement, George enjoyed collecting antiques, specifically Coca-Cola memorabilia, sports cards and children’s lunch boxes.
George was a man of faith who loved God. He was very active in his church communities wherever he lived. He was a long-time member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ulysses, KS where he served as the Junior and Senior Warden of the vestry. He was a lay delegate to the General Episcopal Convention for six years and served for many years on the commission on ministry as well as serving on the search committee to find a bishop for the Episcopal Dioceses of Western Kansas. From 1982–1988, George served as the managing director of Mission Outreach Renewal Evangelism in Eureka Springs, AR.
George married Bonita Ann Elliott in April of 1989. He is survived by his wife, Bonita; daughter, Michele Popejoy; sons, Russel Popejoy and Ryan Jones and grandchildren, Brandon and Tyler Popejoy. A memorial service was held on December 15, 2018 at Christ Presbyterian Church. The family requests that donations be made in lieu of flowers to Luke Chapter of Military Officers Association Scholarship Fund, PO Box 5072, Sun City West, AZ 85376. Condolences for the family may be left at www.ThompsonFuneralChapel.com.