William Perry LeSueur

William “Bill” Perry LeSueur, passed away peacefully at his daughter's home, surrounded by his loving family, Sunday, July 16, 2023 in Eagar, Arizona. He was 95 years old. 

Bill was born in Eagar, June 15, 1928 to John Perry LeSueur and Hannah Manila Maxwell. He was the 6th of 8 children and was raised with a large and loving extended family. Being born into the LeSueur community shaped Bill's formative years and resulted in a lifetime of hard work, loyalty, generosity and kind-heartedness. From a young age he learned the satisfaction of ranching, spending countless hours helping his father, brothers and cousins work the ranch, build fences, haul hay and wood and take care of livestock. It became a profound passion that not only shaped his identity but also remained unwavering throughout his life.   

He graduated from Round Valley High School, attended college in Utah and then joined the Army, where he served for 2 years in Germany during the Korean War. He reflected fondly on his time in the service, as he forged lasting friendships with those who served with him, etched indelible memories of the beautiful countryside and always kept a place in his heart for the kind German people he met. This experience so far from home was one he treasured and learned from. One lesson that stood out was the acute realization that his home was in the White Mountains and he never wanted to be away again. Soon after returning home, he began his career with the US Forest Service where he remained until his retirement. He always felt fortunate that he was able to work in the beautiful mountains he grew up loving.

In 1957 Bill married Confie Gabaldon and started a family, welcoming a son and two daughters. Bill's life was centered around his family and ranching. He was an attentive and loving father to his three children: Bernadette, Jim and Natalie and did everything in his power to provide his family with every possible opportunity to learn and grow. His parenting closely mimicked how he had been parented, instilling the work ethic and virtues he had learned and lived by. His lessons were short but ran deep. Being a man of few words, he taught largely by example, which spoke volumes. 

Throughout his life he loved sports, particularly basketball, football, baseball and rodeo. Whether participating himself, watching his kids and grandkids compete or following every game and rodeo on television, his love and interest never waned. This was a pastime he affectionately shared with his wife Nedra, whom he married in 1990. Bill cherished the small and finer things in life like spending time with friends and family, a good basketball game, a quiet day at the ranch listening to the windmill turn and the sound of the rain.

Bill was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He faithfully supported organizations that he truly believed in and would try to help people however he could. He was never one that wanted recognition or accolades; he just wanted to help and he could always be relied upon.  

Bill is survived by his daughters, Bernadette (Jerry) DeVerse, Eagar; Natalie (Gary) Gulledge, San Diego, California; grandsons, Sherrod (Christina) DeVerse, Elverta, California, Shawn (Emily) DeVerse, Maui, Hawaii; Sheldon DeVerse, Springerville; granddaughters, Jenna Gulledge, Denver, Colorado; Kelsey Gulledge, San Diego, California; Raquel Gulledge, San Diego, California; great granddaughters, Addilynn and Kylie DeVerse; brother, Marlin LeSueur, Eagar; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nedra, son, James Calvin LeSueur, grandson, Shay DeVerse, parents, brothers, Herman and Ken LeSueur, and sisters, LaVerne Wiltbank, Maureen Windsor, Berle Gryce and Mondonna Stone.

A funeral service will be held Friday, July 28, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Springerville building, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow the services at the Eagar Cemetery.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Accord Hospice for the amazingly kind and attentive care they gave to our dad this past year. You all were wonderful! 

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