Concepcion Aranda

Published on Sunday, October 25, 2009 8:00 AM MST

Concepcion Aranda

Concepcion D. "Chono" Aranda, 76, of Safford passed away peacefully at his home Oct. 20, 2009. He was born to Sixto and Ysidora Aranda on Dec. 8, 1932, in Safford.

Chono served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a sergeant and tank commander in Korea and Germany. After being honorably discharged, he returned to the Gila Valley and worked in construction and farming.

Concepcion Aranda

Chono joined the Graham County Sheriff's Department in 1969. In 1980, he ran for the office of sheriff, winning the primary, but was unsuccessful in the general election. He continued his law enforcement career and retired after 22 years of service.

Chono earned many accommodations in expert marksmanship and tracking awards. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Chono is survived by his wife of 58 years, Petra Aranda; three sons, Chono Jr. (Anita) Aranda, Rick (Elena) Aranda, Reyes (Tabetha) Aranda; five daughters, Juanita (Donald) Torrio, Mary Jo (Pete) Garcia, Susie (Jim) Henson, Dolores (David) Merino and Carmela (James) Pearce.

Chono himself came from a family of four brothers and six sisters. He is also survived by 34 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m., at the St. Rose of Lima Church. A rosary was recited Friday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m., at St. Rose of Lima. Chono was laid to rest in the Safford Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the VFW. Arrangements were under the direction of the Caldwell Funeral Chapel.

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Comments

10 comment(s)

mari lower wrote on Nov 6, 2009 6:45 PM:

" Comadre, Compadra Anita,Chonito me and by boys send our condolence know we love you and prey the lord send blessing your way,chono was a great man and good friend to us, we will remember him always. GOD BLESS YOU> Mari, Dominic Joe ,Rikki Roscoe "

Carmen P. Tower wrote on Nov 2, 2009 3:30 PM:

" Dear family, Chono was a cousing I will always remember with great affection. Am sorry that I did not keep up the correspondence with him.May the inspiration he brought to each of us & fond memories bring us all lasting comfort.and encouragement. With love, Cousin
Carmela (Sambrano) Tower
Page, Arizona "

Teresa Bejarano wrote on Oct 31, 2009 2:09 PM:

" Chono was my cousin and he was a great man. When I was young he stopped me a few times and he new I did not have a drivers license he would tell me go straight home before somebody else stops you. He will be MISSED. My prayers go out to his family "

T.S. wrote on Oct 31, 2009 12:52 AM:

" Chono came by my house one time when I was young and thought I knew everything . He said " I have a warrent for you but if you go take care of this today I won't arrest you!" I did and he didn't. There aren't many cops like Chono anymore. "

Randy Olivaz wrote on Oct 28, 2009 10:52 AM:

" My prayers go out to the entire Family. Take comfort in Our Lord during this difficult time. Chono will be missed by all. "

Mata Family wrote on Oct 27, 2009 11:34 AM:

" Our dad Arturo respected and admirded Chono. He was always willing to give a helping hand. He went out of his way to help the Hispanic Community. He was truely a great man. "

Ron Olivaz wrote on Oct 27, 2009 9:24 AM:

" My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, he was a great and well respected man. "

greg rogers wrote on Oct 26, 2009 7:14 PM:

" everybody loved chono,even the people he arrested like me! "

Robert Layton wrote on Oct 25, 2009 8:37 PM:

" One of my good friends has passed. I admired and respected Chono. My condolences to his family. "

D Rice wrote on Oct 25, 2009 2:03 PM:

" Chono, you will be missed by your many friends. It was an honor to work with you for so many years. "

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