Norace Whitecotton

Norace Whitecotton, 92, of Thatcher passed away on Wednesday, September 2 in Safford. Norace was born August 23, 1917 to Alpheus Homer (AH) and Maude in Seminole, OK. He had 4 sisters and 4 brothers including his twin brother, Horace. Following his liberation from a Japanese POW camp and honorable discharge, he returned to Thatcher, where he met and married the love of his life, Dorothy Jean Palmer, on July 24, 1946. On June 4, 1956, Norace and Dorothy were sealed for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple. Throughout his lifetime, following his baptism in 1954, Norace was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Norace and Dorothy were blessed with four children, Carolyn, Bob, Peg, and Michael. Norace enjoyed people and could always be found smiling, laughing and sharing a story or two. He learned to play the guitar, mandolin, and harmonica as a child and his love for learning to play musical instruments continued throughout his life. Upon taking up the fiddle, he started the The Old Time Fiddlers and spent many years performing with them throughout Arizona and New Mexico. Norace is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Dorothy; his son Bob (Dianne) of New Port Richey, Florida; his daughter Peg Anderson of Phoenix; and his son, Michael (Robin) of Encinitas, California; 19 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carolyn Ferrin; grandson, Daniel Anderson; his parents; and eight brothers and sisters. Viewing was Friday, Sept. 4, 6-8 p.m., at Caldwells Funeral Chapel and one hour prior to services at the church. Funeral services were held on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, 1 p.m., at the Thatcher LDS Chapel. Concluding services with military honors conferred by the Gila Valley Honor Guard followed in the Thatcher Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of the Caldwell Funeral Chapel. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.