Lee C. Bloxham, 87, died Monday at a local nursing home.
He was born Jan. 5, 1899, west of Downey, to Thomas Joseph and Harriet Alice Bloxham. As a young man, he spent time on the family ranch farming and raising cattle. He attended the Woodland grade school west of Downey and was graduated from Downey High School. He was enlisted in the US Army for a time. He also attended the Sweeney Auto and Tractor School at Kansas City, Mo., in 1920 and 1921. Upon graduation, he returned to Downey. In1924, he accepted a position as mechanic for the Toller and Olson Ford Agency garage.
On June 9, 1926 he married Meta Sells at Twin Falls. She died March 31, 1960 in Pocatello.
On July 19, 1926 they moved to Pocatello where he accepted a position as mechanic for Jesse M. Chase, or the Pocatello Auto Company, Ford Agency. Starting as a mechanic and later promoted to shop foreman, he served in this capacity for some 18 years until 1950.
Mr. Bloxham went to work for C. Ed Flandro Inc., in 1950 as a new car salesman and in May of the same year was transferred to the service department as shop foreman. He resigned in 1951 to accept employment as a machinist at the U.S. Naval Ordnance plant at Pocatello. He was assigned to the industrial relation office in the administration building, appointed to be examiner by the U.S. Civil Service Commission, Washington, D.C.
Asa a young man, he played basketball and baseball. As a musician he played violin, trap drums and trombone. He was also an ardent sportsman.
He was a member of the Portneuf Lodge No. 18, AF&AM; all bodies of the York Rite Masons; and a Scottish Rite member and past patron of Ruth Chapter, Order of Eastern Star.
He is survived by his current wife, Verona Bloxham.
Graveside services will be Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Mountainview Cemetery with Portneuf Lodge No. 18, AF&AM conducting Chris Harame, worshipful master, will preside. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Downward Funeral Home, 241 N. Garfield.