Milton Rhea

Milton "Milt" Taylor Rhea of Safford, passed away after a long battle with cancer on August 24, 2019 at his home with his loving family at his side. Milt was born on August 1, 1928 in Sheldon, AZ to Lee & Almyra "Jack" McNair Rhea. He married June Martin on July 10, 1948 in Lordsburg, NM and the couple was blessed with a daughter, Jackie Rhea. The family moved to the Gila Valley where Milt began his long career in Law Enforcement. He became the Chief of Police and worked for many years here in the community in a career that he truly loved. Milt was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and loved being outdoors, hunting, shooting and just being a cowboy. He is survived by his two grandchildren Russell (Amber) Versteeg and Jaime (Zack) Holwerda, his eleven great-grandchildren; Brianna Wellington, Ashley Jung, Janae Stephany, Ethan Versteeg, Austin Versteeg, Heidi Holwerda, Izabella Holwerda, Zachary Holwerda, Kelsey Holwerda, Jaiven Lee and Jaleigh Versteeg. Milt is preceded in death by his loving wife June Rhea, his parents Lee & Almyra "Jack" Rhea and his daughter Jackie Bell. "Chief", "Cowboy" and "Ole Milt" will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of getting to know him. Services for Milt will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at the New Life City Church beginning with a viewing at 8:00 a.m. followed by the funeral services at 9:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Safford Cemetery after which a luncheon will follow at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center.