Paul Gilmore Antone

BLACKWATER - Paul Gilmore Antone Sr., 85, died at home on May 12, 2015.

The wake will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday at his home in Blackwater. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 7 a.m. Friday at Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will be in Blackwater West Cemetery.

Mr. Antone was born on Jan. 15, 1930. He served in the Korean War and represented District 1 on the Gila River Indian Community Council. He later worked for the San Carlos Irrigation Project for 17 years before retirement. He was active in Holy Family Church, with American Legion Post 51 and the District 1 seniors organization as long as he was able.

He was a volunteer firefighter, volunteered to umpire baseball games and enjoyed watching football games at Coolidge High School, where he had played football in 1946. An avid Coolidge Bears fan, he attended all home games no matter how difficult it was for him. He enjoyed crafting leather and playing in senior games.

Survivors include a sister, Delphine Johnson; four sons and daughters, Paul G. Antone Jr., Frances Antone, Joanne Brewer and Christopher Antone; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth A. (Garcia) Antone; a son and daughter, Anthony T. Garcia and Kathleen Antone; a grandson, Joel Antone; and his siblings.

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