George R. Doten

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.