George R. Doten, 73 years of age, went to heaven peacefully at his home surrounded by family on January 15, 2021. He was born and raised in Yuma, Az to parents H.A. “Chili” and Genevieve Doten. He attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary school and graduated from Yuma High School home of the “Yuma Criminals”. During his youth, he participated in boy scouts with many neighborhood friends, enjoying the outdoors and music. He played the saxophone in the Yuma High School Marching Band. He attended Arizona Western College receiving a degree in Electronics and Science.
In 1968, George moved to Phoenix to continue his education and was employed by Sperry Rand. He performed maintenance and installation on technology devices for various military equipment and F-16 aircrafts. During this time, a friend and future brother-in-law, Robert Valencia introduced him to the love of his life, Maria Valencia. They married August 29, 1970.
In 1971, George went to work for Mountain Bell, the local telephone company in Phoenix, Az (later becoming Qwest Communications). He retired in 2008 with 37 years as a Central Office Technician. Throughout his career, he was highly recognized for his excellent workmanship. He was honored with “The President’s Award” for designing and installing, statewide, an interoffice program for maintenance to help assist Field Technicians. He was also selected for his expertise in Fiber and Video to be a part of a technical team for setting up all broadcast video equipment for the Super Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium in 1996. He was also selected for a team to provide the video transport to all venues at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Over the years, George enjoyed many adventures and hobbies. He was happiest spending his time hiking, taking vacations, road trips, camping with his family and lots of fishing trips with his Compas. His love for the ocean grew stronger, so he dove right in and became a Certified Master & Rescue diver in 1998. He experienced many trips to various parts of the open ocean water with friends, completing his last major dive in 2014, in beautiful Cozumel, Mexico. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Knights of Columbus. He volunteered his time during retirement helping with church functions and the less fortunate.
George is preceded in death by his parents H.A “Chili” and Genevieve Doten. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Maria L. Doten of Phoenix, AZ, brother’s Kenneth (Penny) of Yuma, AZ, Lawrence (Barbara) of Long Beach, CA, Gene Doten (Maria) Yuma, AZ, Dennis Doten (Connie) of Bakersfield, CA, sister Julie Borunda (David) of San Diego, CA, daughter’s Michelle Gonzales (Justin) of Goodyear, AZ, Alicia Doten of Phoenix, AZ, son Steven Doten (Marisol) of Glendale, AZ, granddaughters Alyssa Doten and Jaidyn Gonzales.
He was loved by everyone who knew him. He will be forever remembered most of all for his big smile, kindness and loving manner.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers or gifts, that you please donate in his name to the American Cancer Society.
Due to Covid and limited capacity, on Monday, January 25, 2021 a visitation for friends and extended family will be held from 9:00am to 11:00am with masks and social distancing at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E Indian School Road, Phoenix. A private family service will follow.
Rosary Online can be viewed from 11am to 12pm at: https://www.facebook.com/WhitneyMurphyFH/live/ Condolences and Hugs from Home may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
Sylvia Simental
Our deepest condolences to the Doten family and to all those who loved him as well. George was a Gentle, kind and loving man whom my husband Paul and I will forever hold close to our hearts! Soar with the Angels George.
Daniel Abdoo
Michelle, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Anika C McFall
To my family away from home, I pray for Solace and Peace. King George was kind , welcoming and I sure wish I could have gotten in on his pancake parties!!
Love and Light,
Anika
Sylvia Fernandes
Michelle and all the Doten family, please accept my condolences for the loss of such an exceptional man.
You will all be in my prayers.
Brian Tamburino
Michelle,
You are kind, good spirited, and frequently demonstrate a light hearted attitude at work, despite all the frustrations and problems. You are great to work with because of these qualities. I’m certain your father was proud of the person you have become.
Rebecca Stone
Michelle , My sincere condolences to you and your family. You are all in my prayers . Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you through the transition of losing your Dad.
Becky
Robert Clifton
Michelle, Our family has you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during such a trying time. our sincere condolences.
Rob Clifton
Christina & Tim Brunner
May Uncle George rest peacefully and painlessly with the angels. Our condolences, love and hugs to our Doten family and all that knew and loved his kind, smiling soul. He will be missed. We will honor him and attend services via the link.
Charlotte Thomas
Asa fellow member of class of 1966 (Go Criminals) and Marching Crim Band, I send my condolences to the family and friends of George. A life well-lived, and loving.
Romie
Alicia, I’m sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Sending condolences to you and your family.
Dina Lansdell
My sincerest condolences to the Doten family. My prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.
Gloria Valencia-Weber
George was a great person to know and to have as a brother-in-law. It is a big loss for the Doten and Valencia families to lose him, but we know that he leaves many good memories for those he befriended and cared for.
Gloria Valencia-Weber, Robert J. Weber
Diane Doten Burrow
As with all of George’s family and friends, I will miss the idea of George being here with us.
But I know, however, that he will always be in our hearts and memories and watching down on us with a loving smile on his face. God bless all and keep us close to him during our grief.
Helen Osorio
Maria and family,
Praying for comfort and peace for all of you. Rest in peace George Doten!
Sincerely,
Osorio Family
Reuel and Linda Bates
My husband and I worked at US West with George. He was a great person to work with and friend. We ran into him occasionally after we retired and always loved catching up with him. We sent his framily and friends our sincerest condolences and pray that your beautiful memories will give you comfort.
Michael Espinosa
To the Doten family we send our deepest sympathies. George was one of the good ones. We will miss his big smile and his gentle and kind nature. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Judith Saxton
May the God of All Comfort grant you His peace and comfort at this time of your loss. Praying for the family.
Meleni Gonzales
I will miss “Henry” – George was ALWAYS smiling. He has a genuinely kind-heart, and an intelligent man. Blessings to the Doten family. May God’s grace bring comfort and peace during this time. God Bless, Meleni (Reyes) Gonzales and family.
Amy O’Connell martin
George you went to soon! I had hoped to meet up again, and have a drink or bring you some pecan pie! Your big bright smile will be missed as well as your fun and care free way of life! I feel blessed to have shared a few memories with you and your family. I will look after your Michelle the best i can! She takes after you in all she does. You two share the same smile and way of thinking… two of a kind. ❤️ You’re sweet easy going personality will be missed by all. Your contagious smile will be forever missed ! We will miss all of you! I feel very fortunate to have enjoyed your spirit and company. Rest In Peace my friend. And hugs and prayers for your family. Xoxoxoxoxoxo
JOSE D VILLEGAS
May the blessings of God keep him as Angel. My heart goes out you and your family. He will be will missed.
Peter and Pauline Chow
Our deepest and sincere condolences to the Doten family. George was kind, loving , and always carried a smile on his face. Rest In Peace George. We will forever miss you and your smile. Praying for the family. May God grant comfort, peace and strength to you all.
Walter Clugston
Michelle, I am sorry for your loss. My thought and prayers are with you and your family. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
Kenneth Blanchard
Our deepest condolences. Our prayers are with you and your family. If you need ANYTHING, we are right across the street.
Kenny & Christine
Debra Valencia-Laver
To my dear aunt & cousins – What a beautiful service to honor such a beautiful life. Thank you for sharing such special memories. Our love, prayers, and warm thoughts are with you at this time and always. Debra (Valencia-Laver), Gary, Edward, Karyn & Kyle