Mike Squire

Michael Rey Squire, of Safford and a United States Marine Corps veteran, entered life eternal early Thursday morning, August 20, 2020, at the Tucson Medical Center. He was 80. Mike was born in Phoenix, Arizona on September 5, 1939, to Charlie Mae Lambert and Rey Leroy Squire. He graduated from Tolleson, Arizona High School in 1957, then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, graduating from boot camp in San Diego. He attended Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher on a football scholarship in 1958. He and Nancy Phegley, of Thatcher, were married on September 30, 1958 in the Mesa Arizona Temple and they made their home in the Gila Valley. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1963. Mike went to work for the City of Safford in 1977 and later became the director of water, gas and sewer, serving in that capacity for over 20 years until his retirement. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served as a bishop, bishop’s counselor, high councilor, a temple worker in the Mesa Arizona Temple and in several other capacities. He was a member of the Safford 7th Ward at the time of his passing. Mike is survived by: his wife, Nancy; and their five children, Deri Lyn Gauldin (Alan) of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, Michaele Ann Estrada (Arthur) of Safford, Lori Rae Coil (Brett) of Albuquerque, Thomas Leroy Squire (Kim) of Safford and Brandon Lee Squire (Recia) of Peoria; a brother, Ronald Squire of Mesa; a sister, Theresa Campbell of Tonopah, Nevada; 25 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. He loved his family, gardening, farming, horses, hunting, family history, the members of the Safford 7th Ward and the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was outgoing and could find something in common with pretty much anyone he met. Funeral services for Mike will be conducted Saturday, August 29, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., at the Vining Funeral Home by Bishop Mike Fox of the Safford 7th Ward. Concluding services will follow in the Thatcher Cemetery with military honors being conferred by the Gila Valley Veterans Honor Guard. Family will receive friends Friday evening, August 28, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Vining Funeral Home.