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Charles “Wes” Truman, 82, passed away Oct. 3, 2012 with Mozelle, his wife of 61 years, by his side. Wes was surrounded by loved ones present and by the prayers of those far away. He was dad to six, grandpa to 18 (plus many honorary grandchildren), and great-grandpa to four.
Wes was born April 25, 1930, in Elk City OK to Amaritta (Bearden) and Amos W. Truman. He had many fond memories of growing up on a farm with his brother and sisters. Wes and Mozelle were high-school sweethearts at Foster High School (OK), and married on March 8, 1951, in Oklahoma City. Wes served in the USAF, graduated from Central State College (OK) with a BS in Education, and later received an MS in Education from NAU. He was the first in his family to graduate high school and the only one to attend college.
Wes and Mozelle moved to Arizona in 1959 to teach at Lukachukai Boarding School and fell in love with people of the Navajo and Hopi tribes of northern Arizona. They later taught at Chilocco (OK) Indian School, Chinle, Payson, Tuba City, and San Manuel. Wes coached boys and girls sports, including football, basketball and baseball, at the junior high and high school levels. Wes impacted countless lives of students and athletes through his commitment to education, sportsmanship, and “walking the talk” of a faithful Christian man. Wes was a Mason for more than 30 years.
Survivors include children Randy (Charlene), Curt (Sally), Terri, Nancy (Charlie Ritchie), Carla and David (Jeannie). Wes was very proud that his children and grandchildren have earned 15 college degrees. Grandchildren include Christopher, Mark, Rachel (Neal), Andrea, Paul, Bill, Russell, Renee, Jacob, Daniel (Malorie), Will, Josh, Grace, Alyosha, Zhenya, Shawn (Jennifer), Joshua (Erin) and Anthony. Great-grandchildren are Jadon, Sebastian, Nikola and Owen.
End-of-life care was provided by Hospice of the Valley; we will be forever grateful for their kind and gentle support.
Services will be held Friday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery (23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix – just north of 101) and 11 a.m. (followed by luncheon) at Westown Baptist Church, 11415 N. 35th Avenue – at Cholla, south of Cactus). Memorials to Hospice of the Valley or Westown are suggested in lieu of flowers.
Mozelle lives with (daughter) Carla Truman at:3113 W. Shangri La Rd., Phoenix AZ85029, 602/547-8952.
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