Ned Lara

COOLIDGE - Nemecio C. "Ned" Lara, 85, of Coolidge died on Dec. 6, 2014, in Phoenix.

The memorial service will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall in Coolidge, with Miguel Vitela officiating.

Mr. Lara was born on Dec. 19, 1928, in Mesa and was a son of Antonio V. and Gavina Lara. He grew up in Coolidge, joined the Army as a young man and served in Korea. Upon his return, he met and married his wife of 62 years, Frances. He was a construction worker for many years and also worked for the city of Coolidge until retirement.

He enjoyed his wife’s cooking, playing guitar and singing. He enjoyed camping and loved to go up to the mountains. His time spent with family was very important to him, and he was an active member of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Survivors include two sons, Raul Lara of Florence and Andrew Lara of Coolidge; two daughters, Terri Hernandez and Amalia "Molly" Duran of Coolidge; a brother, Steven Lara of Coolidge; a sister, Eva Garcia of Coolidge; 13 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; five brothers, Anastacio, Rosalio, Donicio, Crecencio and Estevan Lara; and three sisters, Petra, Eustacia and Genoveva Lara.

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