Arlen Thomas Whittington

Arlen Thomas Whittington 1940-2012 "Now racing the highways in heaven" Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend crossed the finish line early in the evening of Saturday, June 2, 2012 in Sun City West, Arizona. He was surrounded by his loving family after losing the race with lymphoma. Arlen was born June 16, 1940 in Logan, Utah to Montel Pope Whittington and Millicent Nancy Hodges Whittington and spent his early childhood in Garden City, Utah. He married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Loveland, whom he met in Logan after moving across the street from her. They married on July 6, 1959 and were married for 52 years. Arlen graduated with Honors from Utah State University in 1962 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering & Automotive Technology. He accepted a position with Ford Motor Company and moved to Detroit, Michigan. He had an impressive 33 year career that began with selling parts and culminated in his position as Associate Director of Corporate Strategy. Shortly before his retirement in 1995, Arlen was selected by Ford to draft the North American Free Trade Agreement NAFTA and present it to Congress who ultimately passed legislation on it.
Arlen was a kind, loving and generous man who was passionate about his family. He always put the needs and wants of others above his own. Upon retiring from Ford, Arlen and Marilyn became "snowbirds", spending half their time in Sun City West, AZ. They encouraged friends and family to visit often and always treated them to 5-star accommodations. Their hospitality is legendary. After his family and friends, Arlen's greatest passion in life was cars, with a special emphasis in racing. His favorite car was a Ford 28 Cobra jet. Other interests included motorcycle trips, history and country music.
Arlen is survived by his wife Marilyn; daughter Kerri Lynn Lance Manning; son Craig Thomas Samantha Whittington; 3 grandchildren – Tashina Marie, Joshua Thomas, and Malyssa Elaine Manning; great-granddaughter Serenity Rose; and sister Marilyn William Evans. He was preceded in death by his parents and a baby brother. Services will be held at Nelson Funeral Home, 162 E. 400 N., Logan, Utah on Monday June 11, 2012 at 11:00 AM. Viewings will be held on Sunday June 10, 2012 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and again on Monday from 9:30 – 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org in memory of Arlen Whittington. Burial will be in the Garden City Cemetery. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com