Maurice F. Bullard Sr.

Feb. 15, 1925 – Nov. 1, 2014

Maurice “Pops” Bullard, 89, died Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014, at home in Chino Valley, Ariz., surrounded by his loving family.

Pops was born in Chicago, Ill., but spent most of his life in Louisiana and Alaska. He volunteered for the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942 at only 17 years of age. Looking more mature than his young age, people accused him of being a draft dodger so he lied about his birth date in order to enlist early. He experienced some of the worst fighting of the war, including the battles of Iwo Jima and Saipan.

He married the love of his life, Ann, whom he affectionately called “Precious,” in San Diego in 1943. They moved to Shreveport, La., where they raised their three children and he worked for the Caddo Parish School Board as head of maintenance. After his retirement, in 1984 they moved to 

Homer, where they resided until moving to warmer Arizona in 2006.

They built a cabin at Caribou Lake where they loved to spend time, and he and Ann traveled all over the country, exploring in their motorhome. Pops loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and he was a very entertaining storyteller and all around good sport. After winning the “biggest fish” prize among friends on the Kenai River one summer, he won the privilege of buying dinner for all at Don Jose’s, which cost him much more than his winnings. He had a zest for life and a twinkle in his eye that will be forever remembered by his friends and family.

Pops was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Ann, who passed away in 2011; his oldest son, Donald, and close friend, Dave Boone.

He is survived by his daughter, Maureen Guice; son, Butch Bullard; numerous grandchildren, including Tammy Hill, his constant caregiver in recent years, Anna Logan, Reece Bullard and Kristin Bullard; and many great grandchildren. 

A celebration of life will be held next year in California for both Pops and Ann, joining their ashes together forever. Cards and condolences may be sent to Tammy Hill at 2715 N. Cherokee Drive, Chino Valley, AZ 86323.