Everett Lee True

Everett (Ev) True, (Brigadier General, USAF, Retired) passed away in Mesa, Arizona on September 25, 2023. Ev was born and grew up on a small farm in Craig, Missouri. His parents were Hiram and Eloise True and he had three siblings (Jerome, Julia, and Garth). After being a two sports star at Fairfax High School, Ev received a Congressional appointment to the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., in 1946 and graduated with the class of 1950.

After being commissioned as a 2nd Lt., in the US Air Force, Ev’s first assignment was flight training in Texas. He received his pilot’s wings at Williams AFB, Arizona in August, 1951. One of Ev’s first assignments after flight training was as a fighter pilot in Korea in 1952. He also served with distinction in several assignments located in Japan, Ohio, Florida, The Philippines, Vietnam, Washington, D.C., Texas, and California. His military decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was assigned to the Office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Pentagon, and was promoted to Brigadier General in 1975.

While at flight training in Chandler, Arizona, Ev met the love of his life, Jan, and they were married within six months. Everett leaves behind his six children, one son (Dennis) and five daughters (Becky, Cindy, Nancy, Patti, and Penny), along with 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. Ev was a devoted husband, father, uncle, and grandfather, who loved his family’s get-togethers, particularly the annual Apple Butter Festival in Craig, Missouri.

Everett passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023, near his home in Mesa, Arizona with his long-term companion, Harriet by his side. He enjoyed several birthday celebrations, including his 95th, this past July. He had a zest for living, music, history, and anything with a party attached. Everett loved people and loved to tell stories and jokes and talk to his friends, family, neighbors and fellow music enthusiasts.

A celebration of life will be held in the future near Mesa, AZ and final interment will be at Tharpe Cemetery in Holt County, Missouri.

A Musical Celebration of Life will be held on Monday November 13 at:

Palo Verde Country Club

10801 E San Tan Boulevard

Sun Lakes, AZ. 85248

3:00 - 6:00 pm