Frank Macias Contreras

Frank Macias Contreras, 84, of Cottonwood died May 14. He was born April 2, 1926 in Clarkdale, the son of Julio Aguilar Contreras and Conception Flores Macias. He was a graduate of Clarkdale schools and earned a business degree at Hinds Junior College. He retired from Phoenix Cement Company in the 1970's. He owned and operated Mr. C's Drive -In Restaurant which is now Su Casa Restaurant in Clarkdale. He served his country in the Navy during World War II and fought in the battles: the Leyte Invasion, the Battle of Mindanao, the Battle and Invasion of Luzon, the Battle of Okinawa and the Battle of Iwo Jima. He received the following awards: Combat Action Ribbon, American Campaign Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation with Navy Frame, Philippine Liberation Medal and Five Bronze Stars. A Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7400, he served on their Honor Squad. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. He enjoyed training his favorite appaloosa horses and playing golf. He was a very successful coach for the Women's Softball League in Clarkdale for eight years. He was the best father and grandfather and taught us how to treat people with kindness and respect. He was preceded in death by a daughter Yolanda Rhodes Contreras and his wife, Virginia Soto Contreras. Mr. Contreras is survived by his daughter Veronica Contreras of Cottonwood; brothers, Magarito Contreras (Maggie) of Cottonwood, Vincent Contreras of Cottonwood, Alex Contreras (Monchi) of Clarkdale; sisters Mary Chavez of Cottonwood, Martina Luna (Sisto) of Cottonwood, Connie Contreras of California and Velia Mena (Geno) of Cottonwood; three grandchildren: Ruby Rhodes Randall of Tucson, Gabriel Frances Rhodes of Cottonwood and Ruban Smith Contreras of Cottonwood and two great-grandchildren: Gunner Randall and Chase Randall, both of Tucson. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 20 in the Westcott Funeral Home from 5-6 PM followed by the Rosary at 6 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 21 in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 11 AM. VFW Post 7400 will provide military honors. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com