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Delroy Western Obituary

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.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Jan. 31, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
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Dennis brown

June 23, 2024

I was in Delroy´s Horseshoeing class in the early 1970´s his knowledge and skill along with instructors Myron and Cal teaching the art. There is no school that taught it like Dels school still shoeing after 54 years. Looking at today´s shoers they do not have the skill and knowledge of the old master farriers that del graduated. I remember that our graduation was at pinnacle peak. May he rest in peace hunting all the coyotes in the sky.
Dennis Brown

Walter Kolasinski

December 17, 2023

I was in Delroy first horse shoeing class , 600.00 for a experience I'll never forget. Thank you Sir for your Service and teaching skill of this art 53 years later and I still look back with pride....

RANDY REHLING

February 1, 2006

Dear Esther, Terry and Dallen,

I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Delroy, he was a great man. I always enjoyed visiting with him over the years. He should have written a book. What a life he had. I will remember him always, as I know you all will. Kindest regards, Randy

Maribeth Montgomery Kasik

January 31, 2006

I am so very saddened to hear of the death of my cousin Delroy. Although I never got to meet him in person, my late mother and father enjoyed a few visits in AZ and told of the Western family and their wonderful work with horses... Our thoughts and prayers are with you across the miles at this time of loss....

Lexi Bartels

January 31, 2006

Deepest sympathies to Terry, Aunt Esther and the rest of the family. His laugh and smile will truly be missed. Thank you for everything you taught me Uncle Del.

roberta bradley (western)

January 31, 2006

my deepest sympathy goes out to you

Donna Sosek (Western)

January 31, 2006

Terry and Ester,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I have really good memories of Delroy growing up around your family and I know how much he will be missed. In reading his obituary I had forgotten how much history was in his life and how he really lived life to the fullest. God bless to you both.

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