William Merrill Waldrom

William Merrill Waldrom, 91, of Apache Junction, Arizona, passed away on November 14, 2023. He was born on October 6, 1932, in Safford, Arizona, to the late William E. and Amy Lucille Waldrom. Lucille was born in Safford in 1899, which makes William a 2nd generation Arizonan.

Bill, as he was called, was known for his strength and determination, he was a beloved father figure and a great example to his children. He is survived by his wife, Diane, and his sons, William X, Geoffery M., Todd C., and Jason M. He was preceded in death by his daughters, Marilyn, and Terri L.

Bill's educational journey was marked by his dedication and passion for learning. He attended Safford High School and went on to earn a Law Degree and a Master of Science from the University of Arizona, and later became a CPA.

In 1949 Bill met his first wife, Gretta Curtis in the small town, Safford Arizona and eventually married in the Mesa LDS Temple in 1952. After graduating from the U of A they moved to Phoenix to begin his legal career and continue building a family. There they enjoyed a happy life in north central Phoenix being involved in the local congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

In his professional life, Bill excelled as a partner at a major law firm in Phoenix. He worked there for over 25 years, then started his own law firm in Mesa in 1987 until retiring at age 75.

Outside of work, Bill had a zest for life and a variety of interests. He loved to travel and explore the great outdoors. While raising his family they spent summer vacations camping in Yellowstone, Colorado, California, Mexico and throughout Arizona. Las Vegas was a special place, where he enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere and excitement. An avid reader with a profound love for American history, he delighted in immersing himself in the pages of books, constantly seeking knowledge and enlightenment.

Bill was a builder, he built his family homes in Phoenix, Gilbert and Apache Junction. He also was a big Arizona sports fan; he held Suns season tickets from the beginning in the 1968 opening season and continued for 40 years and wouldn’t miss a U of A sporting event.

Bill was a traveler, he loved to explore places and things. He took his entire family for a backpacking trip to Europe, twice in the 70’s, to bicycle, canal barge, drive, and train through Britian and Europe, staying in youth hostels, quite extraordinary for the times.

His favorite food was Mexican food, especially spinach enchiladas, tamales, tacos, and he had a sweet tooth, loved chocolate cake and brownies. He loved pecans in everything. He loved them so much he bought a pecan grove in Maricopa.

Bill met his second wife, Diane, while working in Mesa, and that started their 40-year relationship, they married in 2001. They enjoyed camping, weekends to Las Vegas, playing Skip-Bo and living in the desert at the base of the Superstition Mountains in the home he built.

A private ceremony was held to honor William’s life.

William Merrill Waldrom will be fondly remembered for his strength, humor, his love for family, and his many passions. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, resilience, and a thirst for knowledge. He will be remembered fondly by his 6 children, 9 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Waldrom family.

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