William David Sturgeon

Sturgeon, William David 91, of Miami, AZ passed away on August 21, 2013. Born in Hugo, OK on 12/9/1921 to William Henry Sturgeon and Lucy Alice (Taylor), David was the youngest of 10 children. After losing his mother at age 3, he was primarily raised by his older sisters who were young girls at the time. The family moved constantly following the crops, traveling by wagon and usually living in a tent. Throughout his teens, David worked on farms and ranches to help support his family. In November 1942, David moved to AZ for his health, settling in the Globe-Miami area. Shortly thereafter he began a lengthy career as a copper miner. He started as a laborer underground at the Old Dominion Mine and retired from Inspiration Copper Company as a long time shovel operator. On 6/12/1943, David married Katherine June (Elmer), sharing a life for 44 years and producing three children. David Lavelle (Shirley Hoosier) Sturgeon was followed by Katherine Alice (Keith) Eaton and then Nancy Lucille Marcanti. David was also married to Marie Gibson and Velma Livingston. David enjoyed hunting, fishing, team roping, and was accomplished at lapidary work. He delighted in a hot game of Texas 42, a form of dominoes, with friends and family. As a jack-of-all-trades, David worked side job including laying rock, cement work, carpentry and ran a backhoe service. He built his own home. In 1978, he became a pilot and enjoyed many trips around AZ, NM and TX. David was preceded in death by his mother and father; four brothers and five sisters; two wives; June and Velma, his son; Lavelle, daughter–in-law; Shirley, his son-in-law; Keith, and one granddaughter, Jana. He is survived by his two daughters; Katherine Alice Eaton and Nancy Lucille marcanti, his former wife Ruby Marie Gibson, four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; many generations of nieces and nephews; and his companion, Judy Moran, who became his caregiver as his health deteriorated. A graveside service was held Tuesday, August 27th at 10:00 a.m. at the Mountain Breeze Memorial Gardens on the Miami/Superior Highway 60.