Delroy Western

Delroy Western born December 10, 1919 in Pomerene, Az to Samual and Martha (Jones) Western. The youngest of 13. While still in his mid teens he found work at the Sombrero Butte Mine in the Galviro Mountains, if things were slow he would work for a nearby cattle ranch. He was also one of the last to carry mail by horseback. His route would be from Mammoth to Copper Creek and the other working mines in the area. The Army called towards the end of WWII and took him to the Philippines. The military gave him an early release to resume work in the mines. After the war another government job came along. The Arizona Range Riders rode the American-Mexican border to keep the Mexican cattle from crossing over and spread the feared Hoof and Mouth disease. When the government decided to go mechanical and relieve the cowboys of their horses, a few of them thought it was time to move on. Del moved to Phoenix and learned to shoe horses, after 20 yrs., he started Western's School of Horseshoeing in 1970. The school built a good reputation and took students from every state in the Nation as well as from around the world. Delroy was an accomplished hunter and fisherman. He tied his own flies, reloaded his own ammunition and won a number of state championships with the Phoenix Varmint Callers Association. He loved the outdoors, every minute of spare time he would be in some remote area of Arizona, if not hunting or fishing, he would have his old International Travelall out on some two track with the Four Wheel Drive Club. He enjoyed life to its fullest and worked hard to do it. Del is survived by his wife Esther (Aiken) Western; son Terry; grandson Dallen; sisters Myrtle and Loretta. Viewing will be held from 9-10 a.m. with services following at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 2nd at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Glendale Stake Bldg., 8602 N. 31st Ave, Phoenix, Az. Funeral arrangements provided by Menke Funeral Home 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, Az.