OBITUARIES

Richard Bailey 86, El Centro

Marina Burgueno 98, Brawley

Edward Dutton 73, Former Valley resident

Mike McNeil 93, Former Valley resident

Herrell Miller 72, Seeley

Bob Myers 78, Brawley

Judy Peck 71, Brawley

RICHARD ALLEN BAILEY Feb. 24, 1932 - Sept. 14, 2018

Richard Allen Bailey, 86, of El Centro, CA, passed away from heart failure on September 14, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 24, 1932, to Frank and Helen (Jennings) Bailey at 666 Heil Street in El Centro, Richard graduated from Central Union High School in 1949 and went right to work for Womack Mitchell Motor Company. He remained there for 34 years, rising from business manager to general manager and, finally in 1977, to owner. After selling the dealership in 1983, Richard worked in equipment sales for 16 years, which led to much travel, crisscrossing the country with Jane, his wife of 67 years.

Elected by his peers to the Cadillac Dealer Council (1979-1980), he also served on the Chevrolet Dealer Council (1982-83) of Southern California. As a member of the Imperial Valley Blood Services Board of Directors for 20 years (1976-1996), Richard served as President from 1989 - 1996 and helped acquire the first blood mobile for Imperial Valley. He was a member of the Private Industry Council of Imperial Valley from 1978-1983 and served as Council President for three years. He was a lifetime member of the Imperial Valley Historical Society.

Richard married his high school sweetheart, Jane Harder Harris on June 10, 1951, in the Presbyterian Church Chapel in El Centro. They raised their five children in El Centro and he shared his passion for the great outdoors with them. The family spent many vacations and weekends exploring and enjoying the local deserts, lakes, mountains, beaches and Baja. Remembered by his family as a kind, loving, generous, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Richard was first and foremost a family man. He had a heart full of love for everyone, but especially for his cherished wife. Richard often spoke of his deep love for Jane and how blessed he was to have her as his life partner. Theirs was an almost seven- decade epic love story, surrounded by an 86-year-adventure of a life well lived.

He revered his family’s unique history, being the grandson of Drury D. Bailey, founder of Julian, CA. Richard devoted much of his retirement to researching and compiling historical family information, which is now part of the Julian Pioneer Museum and the Julian Historical Society collections. Both he and his wife enjoyed serving as docents at the museum during many summers spent in Julian. Richard’s pleasant nature and his innate ability to share his family history, as if telling a story, led to many meaningful new relationships. He was also honored to serve as the Grand Marshall in the Julian Fourth of July Parade.

Over the past year, Richard has shared with a local author many stories about his beloved Aunt Belle Jennings Benchley , the first and only woman zoo director in the world who ran the San Diego Zoo from 1927-1953, for an upcoming biography.

Richard is survived by his wife, Jane, and his children, Margery (Rick) DuBois, Laurel (John) Brust, Allen (Karen) Bailey, Frank (Lora) Bailey, son-in-law, Dana Gray, 18 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Daniel D. Bailey and James F. Bailey, his daughter, Betsy Jane (Gray) and his in-laws, Charles and Nilla Harris.

A family celebration of his life will take place at a later date.

BOB JOE MYERS Jan. 27, 1940 - Sept. 7, 2018

Bob Joe Myers, surrounded by loved ones, went home to be with the Lord in the early morning on September 7, 2018. He was born in Brawley on January 27, 1940.

Bob was afflicted with polio in 1949, yet despite being institutionalized for 9 months, he learned to walk again and even became an accomplished horseman. Together with his beloved horse Dusty, Bob earned numerous Gymkhana awards. Bob was the Valedictorian of BUHS, Class of 1957, Senior Class president and male lead in the school play. He remained active in the BUHS class reunions attending each event including last year’s 60th reunion.

Bob continued his education by earning his BA from San Diego State and MA from Sacramento State. He began his teaching career at Westmorland Elementary School teaching 7th grade. Bob taught and was a school administrator in the San Juan School District in Sacramento. Embracing his love for teaching and his love for the Lord, Bob left public education to accept a position as Minister of Christian Education at Christ Community Church.

Bob was a lifelong learner and never stopped reading, researching, and challenging himself. He answered a calling in ministry beyond Christian education; he earned a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. As an ordained minister in the Reformed Church of America, Bob pastored churches in WA, AZ, and CA. In 2005, Bob published his book, Live the Fruitful Life. “Retirement” was not a word Bob recognized. He led the snowbird church Rio Bend Chapel until 2016, and Bible studies in his home and at Imperial Heights for a number of years. He led his last Bible study at Cottage View Assisted Living three weeks before his death.

Bob was an avid gardener growing fruit trees, berry plants, and vegetables, and always had a well-manicured yard. He loved the outdoors. As a talented photographer, Bob hiked anywhere a scenic wonder could be found. Bob was also a legendary bread maker and pastry chef, perfecting the basic pie crust to its utmost flakiest. His sweet tooth was unparalleled and he firmly be- lieved dessert was meant to be served at each meal.

Bob Joe was preceded in death by father Billy Myers; mother, Lavada Myers; daughter, Kari Lynn Wenzel; brother, Fred Myers, and nephew Bill Powell, Jr. Bob is survived and remembered by DeAnne Myers, his loving wife for almost 50 years; sons, Michael and Randolph; daughter, Danielle Marie Myers; sister, Alice Clark; brother, John Myers, eleven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and numerous other family and friends.

Please join us in a celebration of Bob’s remarkable life on Saturday, October 27, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the Brawley Assembly of God Church, 580 C Street. A dessert buffet will follow the service. All are encouraged to bring their favorite dessert to include in this celebration because Bob would have loved that! In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the San Diego Chapter of the ALS Association, 9929 Hibert Street A, San Diego, CA 92131.

MARINA ARMENTA BURGUENO Mar. 29, 1920 - Sept. 25, 2018

Marina Armenta Burgueno, 98, of Brawley passed away on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 in her home surrounded by family.

She was born on March 29, 1920 in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico. Marina Armenta Burgueno was involved in the church all her life; you could find her there, volunteering her time, on a daily basis. She was a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Guadalupanas, did volunteer international missionary work, was a church youth group leader and was a member of the Altar Society at Perpetual Help Church. In addition, she worked as a Daycare Provider at IV Learning Center and was employed by Sacred Heart Church (Rectory) and Perpetual Help Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Agapito Morales Armenta and Elodia Lopez Montoy; brothers and sisters, Mr. Fernando Burgueno, Mrs. Dora Perez (Pete), Mr. Raymond Burgueno (Sofia), Mr. Carlos Burgueno, Mr. Rudy Burgueno, Mr. Louie Burgueno, and Mr. Cesar Burgueno.

She is survived by her children, Mrs. Nellie Escalera (Julian), Ms. Lupe Burgueno, and Mr. Jorge Burgueno; 29 grandchildren and many more great- grandchildren.

Mass will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at 9 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church. Burial will immediately follow at Riverview Cemetery in Brawley.

HERRELL I. MILLER Aug. 30, 1946 - Aug. 24, 2018

Herrell Miller, 72, of Seeley passed away on Friday, August 24, 2018 He was born on August 30, 1946 in Colorado.

He is survived by his daughter, Latisha Dotson; son, Herrell I. Miller; many grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Military service will be held on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at 10 a.m. and will be officiated by Minister Timothy Jones.

COMMODORE CLARY “MIKE” MCNEIL May 3, 1925 - Sept. 24, 2018

Mike McNeil grew up in Virginia and North Carolina, graduating at the age of sixteen from the fifth high school he attended. He worked at the Newport News shipyard as a welder until he was old enough to enlist in the Marine Corps.

During World War Two he participated in several amphibious assaults, including Saipan and Iwo Jima for which he was awarded three battle stars, three unit citations and a Purple Heart.

He was selected for appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy in 1947 through nationwide competitive examination. He served in the Korean War, from the landing at Inchon to the Chosen Reservoir, and was awarded a Silver Star for action at Hagaru, along with another Purple Heart, three more battle stars and several unit citations.

He was employed by Burroughs Corporation for many years, installing and servicing some of the earliest computers in North Carolina, Arizona, California and Mexico.

He married Keiko Yoshimura in 1952. They made their home in Imperial.

He is survived by his widow, Keiko McNeil and two daughters, Susan and Alice.

He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

EDWARD “ED” BYRON DUTTON Sept. 1, 1945 - Sept. 17, 2018

Edward Dutton, 73 of Yuma, AZ, passed away on Monday, September 17, 2018.

Ed was born in Elsinore, CA, on September 1, 1945. He graduated from Brawley Union High School in 1963. He attended Imperial Valley College where he played football, before attending Gunnison Jr College where he also played football. Ed married Edna on April 8, 1995; they were married for 23 years. Ed worked 50 years as a Surveyor and was last employed with Vega and Vega Engineering. He enjoyed playing softball, golfing, bowling, traveling with his wife and spending time with his Grandchildren. He was also actively involved in assisting Veterans whenever he could.

Ed is survived by his wife, Edna; son, Eddie Dutton (Lisa); daughters, Amy Dutton and Kassie Pitones, (Fernando); 12 grandchildren, many other family members and friends.

Ed was preceded in death by his father, Edward Jefferson Dutton and mother, Virginia Dutton.

A Celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 7, 2018 at 1 to 4 p.m. at Inca Lanes in Yuma, Arizona.

A Bowling tournament will also be in Edward Dutton’s name on October 7, 2018 at 2 p.m. Please sign up at Inca Lanes in Yuma, Arizona. If you would like to make a donation, please make to your local Veterans Organization in Edward Dutton’s name. Thank you.

JUDY LEAH LUNCEFORD PECK July 19, 1947 - Sept. 24, 2018

Judy Leah Lunceford Peck was born July 19, 1947 in Brawley, California to Delbert and Thelma Lunceford. Judy attended K thru 12 grades in Brawley, graduating from BUHS in 1965. She graduated from Imperial Valley Junior College in 1967 with an AA Degree. She was listed in “Who’s Who in Junior College Students in America.” She attended San Diego State in Calexico in its early years. She then transferred to Indiana State University, where she graduated in 1972 with a BS Degree. She worked for the Department of Social Services in El Centro as an eligibility worker and later as a substitute teacher. While substituting, she met her husband, Gordon Peck, a reading teacher at Barbara Worth JHS. They were married in the Los Angeles Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on April 10, 1975. She taught at BUHS for three years, Kelsey Jennings Business College and part time for Imperial Valley College for 23 years. Most of it in the English Department. She was even the commandant of the California Cadet Corps at BUHS. The cadets participated in many events and parades; and even parked cars at each of the Cattle Call Rodeos. She was a 4H teacher, Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout teacher and Den Mother; and Boy Scout Merit Badge councilor.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Delbert Lunceford and Thelma Elizabeth Burningham Lunceford; brother, D.O. Lunceford Jr.; sister, Leola Thelma Lunceford; still born daughter, Laurel Elizabeth Peck.

She is survived by Her husband, Gordon Peck; daughter, Courtney Peck Reynolds of Brawley and son-in-law, David Reynolds and their three children; Shayann, Caleb and Abner James. Sons, Christopher Peck of Temecula, California and daughter-in-law Melanie Sanders Peck and their three children: Joshua, Kailyn and Zander, Brian Peck of Brawley and his two daughters: Mia and Sienna, Russell Peck of Brawley and daughter-in-law, Areli Sierra Peck and their three children: Travis, Isabella and Liliana.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 5, 2018 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Frye Chapel and Mortuary in Brawley, CA. Church service will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 10 a.m. at The Church of Latter Day Saints in Brawley, CA. Burial will immediately follow at Riverview Cemetery in Brawley, CA.

The family requests donations in Judy’s name to Girl Scouts of America at 1231 Upas Street, San Diego, CA 92103.