Memorials In Honor And Memory Of Our Brethren Departed 2014-2015 Anderson Wesley Bailey Jr.32º was born in Crested Butte, Colorado on July 20, 1918, to Nora Tuttle and Anderson Wesley Bailey, Sr. He moved to Gunnison, Colorado in 1951. Wes began schooling in Crested Butte. He graduated from GHS in 1936 and worked in mining, landing a job at the Big Mine in Crested Butte where he worked until he was drafted into the Army in 1941. Wes was sent to North Africa in 1942 where he was part of the first major confrontation of American forces against the Axis powers. Wes was captured and remained a POW for 2 years, 2 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days. He was recaptured after an escape from one of the camps near the Germany/Poland border. He was liberated by the British in 1945 and went home to Crested Butte to return to work in the Big Mine. In 1949 Wes married Josephine Venturo, who preceded him in death in 1995. Wes worked at the Big Mine until it closed in 1951. Wes and Jo moved to Gunnison. He worked at the Uranium Mill until its closure, and for the Rio Grand Motorway until its closure in 1980. In retirement, Wes was elected to city council in the 70s and served for 10 years. Thereafter, he continued to serve the city as a member of the Board of Adjustments and Appeals. He was an active member of the Gunnison American Legion Post and both the Crested Butte and Gunnison Masonic Lodges. Wes was initiated an Entered Apprentice on December 13 1940, Passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft on January 1, 1941, and Raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason on January 17, 1941; all in Crested Butte Lodge 58, which later consolidated with Gunnison Valley Lodge 39 in 1993. He served the Craft as Worshipful Master in 1992 and 2005. He became a Master of the Royal Secret in 1974 as a member of The Valley of Grand Junction, Orient of Colorado. Anderson Wesley Bailey Jr.32º died peacefully in Gunnison Valley Hospital on October 15, 2014. He was 96 years old. Roger Kenneth Baker 32º KCCH was born December 31, 1928 in Shelbina, Missouri to Charles and Marie Metcalf Baker. Following his father s death he and his family moved to Denver, Colorado. In 1947 Roger enlisted in the U.S. Army and worked his way from Private to Major. After thirty years in uniform, Roger retired from the Army and accepted employment with Hewlitt Packard at Ft. Carson. Colorado. In 1986 accepted a position in Grand Junction, Colorado as chief financial officer for a flute factory. However, in 1988 he left the factory and he and his wife decided to remain in Grand Junction.
Roger was a member of Tejon Lodge #104 in Colorado Springs. He was Initiated an Entered Apprentice on May 5, 1952, Passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft on December 15, 1952 and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on March 18, 1954. He recently celebrated sixty years as a Mason. Roger received the degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry in September of 1961. He served as Commander of The Gunnison Council of Kadosh in 2005 and served for many years as Tyler for all Scottish Rite Bodies. He was a life member of the Scottish Rite Foundation and in 2005 he received the honors of Knight Commander Court of Honor. Roger Baker 32º KCCH passed away on November 28, 2014 in Grand Junction, Colorado. He was 85 years old. Harold Broughton 32º was born in Montrose, Colorado to Orris Herbert Broughton and Beulah Mae Broughton on September 13, 1933. In 51 he graduated from Montrose H.S. where he played on the football team, the Ghosts of the Gridiron, who won the only 50 State Championship for Montrose. He graduated from Colorado A&M (now CSU) in 55 with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and Physical Education. His Marine Corps basic officer training was completed at Quantico, VA. Harold was on active duty in the Marine Corps from 55 to 59 and in the reserves until 63. While on active duty Harold earned the rank of Captain and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. In 54 he married his wife of 59 years Carol Ann Pratt, his college sweetheart. After the Marines, Harold managed Keystone Fruit Co. in Riverside, WA and owned 35 acres of Red and Golden Delicious trees that he planted with his brother Bob. During this time he was a member of Mt. Olive Grange, the Washington State Horticultural Assoc. In 62 Harold and his family moved back to Grand Jct. where he managed the Broughton family s orchards in Grand Jct. and Olathe. In 66 Harold and Don Broughton and Garner McKnight built Hi-Quality Packing, Inc. in Delta. Brother Harold was a member of Grand Junction Lodge #173. He was initiated an Entered Apprentice on April 21, 1974. He was passed to the Fellow Craft Degree on October18, 1974 and raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason on December 12, 1974. He Joined The Scottish Rite of Grand Junction, Colorado and was made a Master of the Royal Secret on April 20, 1978. Harold belonged to the Delta Elks Lodge (where he was a member for 50+yrs.), El Jebell Shriners, Western CO Horticultural Society (Lifetime Member), CO Apple Administrative Committee, International Apple Association (Board of directors for 15 yrs), National Peach Council, CSU Ag Research Committee, CSU Ag Sciences Council, CSU Ag Days contributor (20yrs), International Council of Ag Employers, International Dwarf Fruit Tree Assoc., Skyland Foods (Board of Directors), Rogers Mesa and Orchard Mesa Research Stations Advisory Committee, Wells Fargo Board of Directors, Delta Booster Club, Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, and was a member of United Methodist Church. Brother Harold Broughton 32º passed away peacefully at his home on April 29, 2014. He was 81 years old.
James R. Groves 32º was born May 24, 1949 in Grand Junction to Verna M. and Hon. James K. Groves. Dick graduated from Grand Junction High School and attended the University of Colorado, Colorado Northwestern Community College, and Mesa State College. He was employed by Snyder Memorials 1971 to 1978, and later was a sales representative for MJK Hardware & Osborn Supply in Craig, Colorado. Dick was also a long-time Certified Foster Care Provider and enjoyed working with troubled and abused children and adults. He married Susan Snyder in 1970 and was later divorced. Two sons were born of this marriage, Kirk S. Groves of Louisville, CO and Erik R. Groves of Grand Junction, CO. In 1981 he married Becky Garner, who had a son, Christopher. One son, Kevin C. Groves of Richland, WA, was born of this marriage. He was active in Masonry, as were his father, grandfather, brother and two of his sons. Dick was initiated an Entered Apprentice on January 11, 1973, Passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft on May 30, 1985, and Raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason on June 27, 1985. He was a member of several Masonic organizations: International Order of DeMolay, invested with the Degree of Chevalier; Mesa Lodge #55 (serving as Worshipful Master in 1992); Grand Junction York Rite Bodies; and became a Master of The Royal Secret on October 31, 1985. Dick took tremendous pride in his performance of Masonic ritual work and lectures and was one of only three individuals on the Western Slope to hold a Gold Proficiency Card. During his term as Master he led his Lodge to an Honor Lodge award. Dick Groves 32º passed away on November 28, 2014 in Grand Junction, Colorado. He was 65 years old. Robert (Bob) Elliott32º, was born July 19, 1933 in Binghamton, New York to Robert and Thea Elliott. He spent his childhood in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Bob served in the U.S. Army, during the Korean conflict. He served as a Lieutenant in the Jefferson County Sheriff s Department and was Chief of Police in Delta, Colorado from August 12, 1974 to September 1, 1988.
Robert Elliot was a member of Delta Masonic Lodge # 62. He was Initiated an Entered Apprentice on April 12, 1965; Passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft on May 24, 1965; and Raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason on June 26, 1965. He was an active member of the El Jebel Shrine Club, serving as President from 2000 to 2002. He Joined The Scottish Rite of Grand Junction, Colorado and was made a Master of the Royal Secret on April 27, 1974. Robert (Bob) Elliott32º passed away on January 28, 2015 at the Colorow Care Center in Olathe, Colorado. He was 81 years old. Gilbert Donald LeFevre 32º was born in Mt Harris, Colorado to Gilbert Pete and Flora May LeFevre on November 24, 1923. In 1951 he graduated from Meeker H.S. He married Melba Lumpkin on June 17, 1950. Gilbert entered the U.S. Army Air Force in 1943 and served until 1946. He then began his a career as a truck driver and an equipment operator. Brother Gilbert was a fifty year member of Rio Blanco Masonic Lodge #80. He was Initiated an Entered Apprentice on January 9, 1947; Passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft on February 17, 1947; and Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on February 24, 1947. He served as Worthy Patron of Meeker s Order of Eastern Star continuously for twenty-seven years. He Joined The Scottish Rite of Grand Junction, Colorado and was made a Master of the Royal Secret on May 11, 1972. Brother Gilbert Donald LeFevre 32º passed away January 26, 2015 at the Pioneers Medical Center in Meeker, Colorado. He was 91 years old. Jack Dale McLaughlin 32º was born in Woodlake, Nebraska on November 22, 1926. He was a graduate of Montrose High School and went on to earn a degree in business from The University of Minnesota. Jack also served honorably in the U.S. Army. In 1950 he married Peggy Morrison, who preceded him in death. Jack was a community leader in the Grand Junction area as the owner of McLaughlin Motors and later of McLaughlin homes. Jack was a life member of his Masonic Lodge and of the Shriners. He Joined The Scottish Rite of Grand Junction, Colorado and was made a Master of the Royal Secret on November 28, 1962. He was a devoted father and grandfather and is survived by his second wife Donna. Brother Jack Dale McLaughlin 32º passed away peacefully at his home on February 14, 2015. He was 88 years old. Charles G. Milligan 32º was born in McCook, Nebraska to Charles Thomas and Idea Milligan on August 3, 1918. He graduated from McCook High School and attended The University of Nebraska and came within one quarter of earning his degree in Zoology. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, during WW II, seeing action at the island of Saipan.
His most recent position was at Manaugh Elementary, where he enjoyed being a para-professional as a Senior Citizen. Prior to that, he was Director of Supportive Services at Southwest Memorial Hospital. Charles was a longtime activist in volunteerism; he simply lived to serve the community and his fellow man. His work in the Red Cross as an instructor lasted over 30 years. He loved Lions Club, and was a devoted Master Mason and Shriner. He was initiated an Entered Apprentice May 27, 1957 ; Passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft on January 27, 1958 and Raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on March 24, 1958, all in Monument Lodge #133 of The Grand Lodge of Nebraska. Charles affiliated with Cortez Lodge # 133 of The Grand Lodge of Colorado on November 5, 1998, where he served as Worshipful Master in 2001. He joined Scottish Rite Masonry in the Valley of Grand Junction, becoming a Master of The Royal Secret on February 19, 1996. Brother Charles G. Millligan passed away peacefully in the Life Care Center in Evergreen, Colorado on July 8, 2014. He was 95 years old. James Phillip Moore 32º was born March 16, 1916 in New Orleans, Louisiana to James Phillip Moore and Grace Crawford Moore. The family moved to Amarillo, Texas, where James completed high school. James secured a job with U.S. Vanadium in Uravan, Colorado. He rose to the position of Chief Chemist for the Union Carbide Research and Development Laboratory in Grand Junction, Colorado. James took special pride in his work in support of the Manhattan project. While in Uravan, he met and married Muriel Evans. She preceded him in death on January 29, 2013. James was a 50 year Mason. A member of Norwood Lodge 111, he was initiated on January 21, 1950; Passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft on April 15, 1950; and Raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason on July 1, 1950. He was a member of The York Rite Bodies, El Jebel Shrine, and The Elks Lodge. He Joined The Scottish Rite of Grand Junction, Colorado and was made a Master of the Royal Secret on November 24, 1958. James Phillip Moore 32º passed away on January 31, 2015. He was ninety-eight years old.
James Price Rankin 32º, son of Rex and Constance Rankin, was born on December 15, 1921, in Grand Junction, Colorado. He graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1940 and from Mesa Junior College in 1942. James joined the U.S. Army in 1942, and served 40 months. He attended specialized courses at the University of Missouri and Quarter Master's School in Camp Lee, Virginia. He served the last 18 months in Alaska and was honorably discharged in 1945 as a Technical Sergeant. On December 29, 1945, he married Betty Delp of Grand Junction, who preceded him in death. James was the secretary/treasurer of both Redlands Water & Power and the Grand Junction Rural Fire Department. He was a Realtor and president of Grand Junction Board of Realtors. James was an Elder at the 1st Presbyterian Church. After retiring he was a volunteer at the V.A. Hospital in Grand Junction. James Price Rankin 32º was Initiated an Entered Apprentice in Mesa Lodge #55 on August 10, 1949; Passed to the Degree of a Fellow Craft on September 22, 1949; and Raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason November 9, 1949. He was also a member of El Jebel Shrine. He joined The Scottish Rite of Grand Junction, Colorado and was made a Master of the Royal Secret on November 24, 1958. James Price Rankin 32º passed away on February 6, 2015 at The Colorado State Veterans Home in Rifle, Colorado. He was 93 years old. Honor was paid to his life and character in a Masonic Memorial Service performed by his brethren of Mesa Lodge #55 on February 17, 2015. Marshall Morris Scott 32º was born November 19, 1915 in Laredo, Texas to Marcus Pinkney and Marguerite Mae Scott. He graduated from High School in Mirando City, Texas. Marshall enjoyed amateur radio, astronomy, photography, geology, music and reading. His profession was that of a land surveyor and map draftsman for the U.S. Government. Marshall Scott was initiated an Entered Apprentice on April 14, 2000; passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft on September 9, 2000; and raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason on September 16, 2000 all within Glenwood Springs Lodge #65. He received the Degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry in June 2001 in the Orient of Colorado, Valley of Grand Junction. Marshall Morris Scott, a resident of Palisade, Colorado, passed away on August 5, 2014. He was 98 years old.
Ellsworth (Al) F. Stein 32º was born April 21, 1920 to Ira and Isabel Stein in Schofield, Wisconsin. He grew up in Edgar, Wisconsin, where he completed high school. Following high school he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1944 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was one of the few chosen to receive training in a new and highly classified technology now known as radar. He served aboard the USS Meriweather and participated in the invasion of Okinawa. He completed his U.S. Navy service in 1944 but enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in the Korean War from 1946 to 1950. Upon leaving the armed forces, he was recruited by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, where he worked for 22 years in the development of atomic science and technology. He retired in 1972 in Grand Junction, CO. He joined the Bendix Corporation and again retired in 1980. On April 4, 1986 he married Marylyn Peoples Martin. Ellsworth Stein was a member of Grand Junction Masonic Lodge #173, where he was Initiated an Entered Apprentice on May 6, 1966; Passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft on June 17, 1966; and Raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason June 25, 1966. He was also an active member of the Western Colorado Shrine Club. Ellsworth Stein received the Degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry on November 13, 1968 in The Valley of Grand Junction, Orient of Colorado. Ellsworth (Al) F. Stein 32º passed away peacefully on August 15, 2014 in St Mary s Hospital. He was 94 years old. William John Bill Till 32 was born July 9, 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of William F. and Josephine (Flowers) Till. Bill proudly served his country with the United States Army from 1946 to 1948. After his tour of duty, he was a member of the Strongsville, Ohio (suburb of Cleveland) Police Department for 15 years. In 1966, he came to the Cortez area to work for Bankers Life Insurance Company and the Montezuma County Sheriff s Department. In the early 70 s Bill and his wife Mary Lou purchased the Muse Restaurant and Lounge, later changing the name to Mr. T s. Together they ran this business for 20 years. Bill was a member of the Cortez Masonic Lodge #133, the Elks Lodge, which he managed it for several years, along with the Elks Lodge in Delta, Colorado. He received his Scottish Rite Degrees in April, 1994. Bill had enjoyed working as a bail bondsman in the four corners area for the past 17 years. He also enjoyed gardening and he grew beautiful flowers and large tomatoes.
Brother William J. Till 32 passed away on Friday, February 24, 2012 at the Vista Grande Nursing Home in Cortez, Colorado. He was 91 years old. SMIB