Earl Dees, 88, of Douglas, AZ passed away on March 5, 2022. He was born near the Village of Dona Ana, north of Las Cruces, New Mexico on July 21, 1933, to William and Josephine Dees. He was the first of twin children. His twin sister Audrey Pearl was stillborn.

Earl is survived by his wife Ellen of 17 years, and her five children David Glasscock (Rita), Janet Dominguez, Ronnie Glasscock (Deborah), Joyce Bates (Butch), Judy Plyler (Ken); and his three children with his first wife, Beth, of 28 years, Susan Pater (Mark), Bryan Watters, and Michael Dees (Becky), as well as Ellen's 15 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren; and his two grandchildren and three great grandchildren with Beth, plus a host of nieces and nephews.

Earl was preceded in death by his first wife Mary Elizabeth (Marble) Dees and son Robert Parker (Sue); and his twelve siblings, Cleo, Bessie Mae McMurry (Chet), Juanita Zerby (Hank), Rosealee Mortenson (Owen), Harold (Foncie), Douglas (Doris), Milon (Phyllis), Joe (Bonnie), Charlie (Betty), Clara May, Mary Lois Mortenson (Raymond) and Audrey Pearl.

An incredibly special thank you to friends Avel Dominguez and Bill Martin, niece Deanna Vasquez, and other neighbors, friends, and family, for all their caring and assistance these past few years.

Earl worked at the Phelps Dodge Smelter in Douglas for 36 years where he was a Foreman when he retired in 1987, after the closing of the Smelter. After retirement he did security work and shod horses. His real passion was all things roping and horses. He loved to rope and to teach kids, along with others, how to rope. Kids could never get horseback with a rope until they had mastered the rope on the ground. He helped countless young people in Southern Arizona learn how to rope. His hat is now a halo, his boots now touch the clouds. We'll hold each gentle memory in our hearts, evermore.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 19, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 700 E 10th St., Douglas, Arizona. Interment will follow at the Whitewater Cemetery, 10776 N Mormon Rd., Elfrida, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Robert Earl Dees to either of the following: Copper Queen Community Hospital Foundation, 101 Cole Avenue Bisbee, AZ 85603 or online at cqchfoundation.org/donate or Whitewater Cemetery – PO Box 306, Elfrida, AZ 85610