Orvell Everett

Orvell Carl Evertt was born December 17, 1932 in Glendale, Arizona to Calvin Everett and Eva Tomerlin Everett. Orvell's parents came to the Wittmann area in the early 1900's they leased land in the area known as Wittmann today from the government on a lifetime lease. After settling and establishing themselves they began to raise a family. Orvell was one of six children. He was a cowboy - a real cowboy. He raised, rode and broke his own horses. Orvell had lived on the desert near the White Tank Mountains until he was 8 years old. He came to Wittmann in 1941. When he arrived they had no electricity and only five families lived there. The Wittmann school consisted of one white building which still stands, only now it is painted red and serves as the school library. The school had no electricity and no water. They would occasionally haul water in from the town well. While Wittman was not exactly a one horse town it could not compare to Wickenburg in either size or facilites. Wickenburg was the proud owner of a hospital and a picture show. When Orvell wasn't in school or working he would sometimes ride into Wickenburg and see the picture show for a real treat. On occasion they would drive the family car in to go to the picture show. Orvell remembers one time while fueling up the car the attendant wrapped the gas hose around the headlight and his mother didn't notice and when leaving it ripped the whole gas pump out of the ground. His father's ranch near the foot of the White Tank Mountains had all the luxuries imaginable, including a refrigerator (which was a burlap sack tied around a wire cage and kept wet to cool things when the wind blew through it). He later served in the U.S. Army attaining the rank or corporal following his military service he returned to the area and began working construction as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver. He was a good mechanic and worked from the Wittman Schools for yearss. Orvell was also a member of the American Legion in Wickenburg. He is survived by his wife Vida of Wickenburg and a sister Eva Vee Wells of Payson, Az and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers: Will, Dell & Ray and a sister Connie Whitton. Orvell was a true cowboy in every sense, rugged, independent and a gentleman.