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Obituary: John Manuel Aleman Jr.

John Manuel Aleman Jr.

John Manuel Aleman Jr.

John Manuel Aleman Jr. (The Sheepherder) died surrounded by his family on March 29, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona only a few blocks from where he was born on March 13, 1943.

He was the only beloved son of John and Frances Aleman Sr. He had a wonderful life and many happy memories growing up in the sheep business between Buckeye and Williams, Arizona.

After the death of his father he ran John Aleman and Son Sheep Company until he sold it and followed his true passion for mechanics and speed by opening Aleman Sheep and Machine in Higley, Arizona which he operated for over 20 years.

From the age of 14 he displayed his amazing mechanical abilities starting with the sheep trucks that were too slow, to building fast pickup trucks to street roadsters and finally to the beautiful nitro methane AA Fuel Altered car "The Sheepherder" which often won best appearing car and many quarter-mile drag races.

John was a rugged individual with a big heart and was always willing to share himself and his hospitality with others. He left a lasting impression on those who were lucky enough to know him and was a big presence in his family and friends lives who will miss his intense love, his humor and his brutal honesty. Including his beloved wife, Kathy, his children, John III, Heide Serrano (John) his step-daughter, Kristin Valliere (Eric) his much loved grandchildren Madison and Zane Serrano, Raquel and Alexa Valliere and Aryanna Aleman.

A viewing will be held at Messinger Mortuary on Indian School and Miller on Friday April 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m. and a service on Saturday April 2 at 11 a.m. at New Hope Community Church 1380 E. Guadalupe Road Gilbert, AZ. Graveside services in Williams, Arizona on Monday April 4 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Williams Food Bank or Save-Meant-to-Rescue in memory of John Aleman.


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