John Darrell Reidhead, 78, died on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, where he wanted to be at his ranch at Shumway following a short illness. Memorial services were held on Nov. 8 at Lovelake Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
John was born March 27, 1933, close to the same ranch where he lived, to the late John Ralph Reidhead and Grace Reidhead. He was born the second of seven children and attended the little Shumway School House, Taylor Elementary School and graduated from Snowflake High School.
A short time after graduation he was drafted into the Korean War, where he served overseas for two years. He drove all kinds of heavy equipment in dangerous situations. He returned to a family who loved him.
He was a talented and successful man. He learned many things through example, hard work and the college of hard knocks, such as how to be a farmer, cowboy, calf roper, horse trainer, and saddle and belt maker, and the love of good horses. He worked for Reidhead Saw Mill, and Reidhead Sand & Rock.
He married Nancy Loudon in 1960, and they made many ceramic pots and collectables, and sold them. They had many articles printed about their ceramics in art magazines. They had a certain glaze effect they kept secret.
He will be greatly missed by many friends, family, and his own dear children and grandchild.
Survivors include his three children, April (Charles) Halstead of New Mexico, Polly (Matt) Smith of Mesa and Tim Reidhead of Phoenix; one grandchild; one brother, Winn Reidhead; two sisters, Shaila (Bill) Flynn and Margaret Linn, both of Shumway; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, LeWayne “Pete,” Glenn and Carl Reidhead; and one brother-in-law, Wayne Linn.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s name to the White Mountain Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 1975, Lakeside, Ariz. 85929.
Silver Creek Mortuary of Taylor was in charge of the arrangements.
