Edwardo Lara

Edwardo Chacon Lara, of Safford, Arizona, has gone to be with his Heavenly Father on January 12, 2023 at the age of 96. He was born in Old Morenci on October 2, 1926 and was the first son of Senovia Lara Oldham, whom he cared for and loved until her dying day.  Edwardo was also lovingly raised by his grandparents, Jesus and Isabella Lara.  Edwardo considered Jesus a gentle kind father figure throughout his life. Traits he would later emulate as a father and grandfather himself.   

After graduating from Morenci High School, Edwardo joined the Marines during WWII.  After his service, he returned to Morenci where he met and married Angelita Chavez Hornelaz (also from Morenci). They were married in a small ceremony in Lordsburg, New Mexico in 1950. He found employment at the Phelps Dodge Corporation and began to build his family. He worked for Phelps Dodge for 33 years. During the last 10 years before retiring, they built their forever home in Safford. Edwardo was a master of trades and was able to build his own house, with his own design, and with his own hands. He was sharp minded, and quick witted. 

Edwardo and Angelita have 5 children: Angie Lara Autz, Clarencio Lara (who preceded him in death), Inez Lara Lujan, Bernice Lara Nabor, and Michael Lara. As a family, they enjoyed many camping trips, long joyrides and quality times and they never wanted for anything. He especially loved playing card games, horseshoes, table pool, and the infamous board game "Aggravation".  Often the siblings spoke of the many times they would be loaded up in the hand-built truck camper to camp in the mountains or the desert on a whim. 

Edwardo could always be found reading and studying the bible throughout his life. He had notebooks filled with personal reflections because he said he always learned something new each time he read it.

He leaves behind a legacy that now stretches to New Mexico, Texas, Idaho, and of course, continues in Arizona by his beloved children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Graveside memorial services for Edwardo will be conducted Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in the Safford Cemetery in block 123.