Clarence Mcgirr

ARIZONA CITY — Clarence McGirr, 85, of Arizona City died Sept. 24, 2009 at home.

The celebration of life will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday at First United Methodist Church in Eloy.

Mr. McGirr was born Dec. 5, 1923 in the Rose Hill area near Wessington, S.D., the youngest of four children born to John and Mabel McGirr. He grew up on a farm, rode a horse to school and worked in his uncle’s blacksmith shop. After a year of college he taught at Whiteside Township country school. He volunteered for the Army and served in the 101st Airborne Division during World War II. He was badly injured during a parachute training jump in Fort Benning, Ga., and spent six months in an Army hospital. After the war he worked in education for more than 40 years. He was a teacher, high school principal, superintendent of public education, professor of history and finally an administrator at Phoenix College, where he helped start several of the community colleges in Maricopa County. After retirement, he and his wife, Norma, settled in Arizona City, where they were active in the community and enjoyed the golf course.

He was a man of many talents and wide interests. At an early age he won awards for singing and was a soloist throughout his life at hundreds of weddings, funerals, worship services and other gatherings. He was a skilled carpenter and woodworker and designed and built cabinets, houses, a restaurant, a motel and a bridge. He played various sports including minor league baseball before his military service. He wrote poetry nearly every day and frequently gave his creations away to people, who were touched by them.

In addition to his wife of 65 years, survivors include a son, Randall McGirr of Arizona City; a daughter, Cynthia Wing of Tucson; five grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Cliff McGirr, and two sisters, Helen and Hazel McNeil.

Memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity of the donor.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.