Lt. Col. Harold Owen Bigelow

Lt. Col Harold Owen Bigelow, USMC retired, 84, of Fountain Hills passed away March 1, 2014. An Arizona native, he was born to Owen and Lucie Bigelow in Eagar, Ariz.

Graduating as salutatorian from Round Valley High School, he began college in Flagstaff (now NAU), earned a B.A. in education from Arizona State University and a master’s in education from University of Arizona.

He joined the Marine Corps and served in the Korean Conflict, witnessed nuclear testing at Atomic Village in Yucca Flats, Nev. and taught for many summers at the Marine Corps Command and Development in Quantico, Va.

He married his wife of 54 years, Erma Ruth Evans, in the Mesa L.D.S. Temple and raised a family of three children in Tucson. His teaching career spanned 32 years and included assignments in Nutrioso, Springerville, and Tucson, Ariz.

A lifelong member of the L.D.S. church, he served in many callings throughout his lifetime including serving a mission with his wife at the Church Family History Mission in Salt Lake City.

His most important accomplishment was being a wonderful son, brother, loving husband to his wife, and caring father to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 10, at 10 a.m. at the L.D.S. Church, 15507 E. Bainbridge Ave., Fountain Hills. Military honors will follow at the National Veterans Cemetery at 12:30 p.m., 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Erma; three children, daughters Adrienne Larsen (Stewart) and Janet Fezzey, and son, Jonathan Bigelow; nine grandchildren, Miles Larsen (Kaelyn), Colby Larsen, Jessica Allen (Chase), Courtney Larsen, Krystal Mann, Liesl Fezzey, Amber Cooper (Mike), Katheryn Hoyt (Derrick/deceased), Hailey Fezzey; and six great-grandchildren.

His family extends heartfelt thanks to Hospice of the Valley for their professional and attentive care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the L.D.S. Missionary Fund. Arrangements entrusted to Meldrum Mortuary. Condolences may be offered at www.meldmort@qwestoffice.net.