Joe Perez

Joe M. Perez, 77, of Safford, passed away December 14, 2009. Joe was born March 31, 1932 to Manuel and Ysabel Perez in Morenci, AZ, where he joined his 2 brothers and 4 sisters. Joe attended Morenci High School and later joined the Navy. He is a veteran of the Korean Conflict and while serving his country in Korea, he earned several medals; the Korean Service Medal (3 stars), National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, United National Service Medal, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. Joe then returned home and was employed by Phelps Dodge as a ball mill operator. He met and married Sharlotte Pounds in June 1981 and together they raised 9 children. Joe was a member of the American Legion and the National Rifle Association. Joe loved to go hunting, fishing and working on vehicles. Joe is survived by his wife, Sharlotte , children; Jeff Perez, Joanne Perez, Janell Perez, Jorgette Perez, Jacquline Perez, Dean Barry, Jimmy Dale Barry, Danny Barry, siblings; Rudy Perez, Lola Felix, Jimmy Martinez, Euginia Slater, 9 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Manuel & Ysabel Perez, sisters; Lupe Beltran and Sheila Chacon, and daughter Kendra Barry. Mass of Christian Burial for Joe Perez will be conducted Friday, December 18, 2009 at 10 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Viewing will be held on Thursday at 6 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. at St Rose of Lima. Interment will be in the Safford Cemetery.