of Mountain Home, AR
February 17, 2019
Thomas Whitten (Whit) Lueken, Sr., 66, died on February 17, 2019 in Mountain Home, Arkansas at his beloved Luekendock cabin. Whit was born on November 7, 1952 to John Joseph Lueken and Patty Whitten Lueken of Helena, Arkansas. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with an Accounting Degree in 1976, and his MBA in 1977. Whit was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.
During his freshman year, Vietnam era college military deferments stopped. With draft number 17, Whit joined the Army National Guard, serving six years. During college he also met his future wife, Patty Watson of Wesley, Arkansas. After a whirlwind seven year courtship and when their jobs allowed them to live in the same town, they married on January 27, 1979 in Little Rock.
At their 40 year anniversary celebration in Dallas, Texas, Whit proclaimed the marriage a success, with a handwritten card in which he wrote: ''You know when I first met you that I knew you could be the love of my life, and you have always been. After 40 wonderful years, I think we can call marriage a success. You have not just been a great wife, but more you are my best friend. There is never a dull moment when you are with me. Our journey thru life together has been more than I could ever have imagined.'' Ditto from Patty.
After college, Whit began a 42-year career as a bond trader and investment adviser. At the time of his death, he was a financial adviser with Wells Fargo Advisors. Whit believed in giving back to his community. Working alongside Patty, Whit held multiple leadership positions in Boy Scout Troop and Crew 227. Many youth benefitted, including the Eagle Scout pallbearers. Five of the six years that Whit worked with Crew 227, they earned Crew of the Year for Quapaw Area Council. Knights of Columbus, the men's Catholic service organization, also benefitted from Whit's many years of service. To say that Whit loved to fish is an understatement. He lived to fish. His favorite fish to catch was brown bass, but he would fish for almost any fish. The trout on the White River are probably breathing a sigh of relief that he will no longer be pursuing them. Whit loved to hunt almost as much as he loved to fish, keeping the freezer full of deer meat. Whit imparted his love of the outdoors to Whitten, starting with Whitten's first fishing trip when he was three months old. Whit had a big heart for dogs, hunting or otherwise... Buck, Kiska, Erik, Scout, Lance, Maggie and Lester.
Whit is survived by Patty, his wife, (and fishing buddy) and their son and new daughter, Whitten and Carley Lueken of Springdale, Arkansas. Whit is also survived by his sisters, Vicky McElduff and her husband Bill of Maumelle, Rosemary McKay and her husband John Paul of Little Rock, many beloved nieces and nephews (and greats) and his dog, Lance. Whit's parents, John and Patty Lueken and his brother Johnny predeceased him.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 20th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home followed by a Rosary service. The funeral will be on Thursday, February 21st at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church in Little Rock. Burial will be in the Wesley Community Cemetery, 2345 Highway 74 in Wesley, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council 812, c/o Raymond Battle, 5 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72207, or Wesley Community Cemetery c/o Jay Moffett, 418 Madison 7305, Wesley, Arkansas 72773.
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22 Condolence(s)
Julie Grisham
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Patty, Steve and I are so sorry to hear about Whit. He was sich a wonderful man. I will always remember him coming to pick you up for a date at the ADPI house. I also remember the great time we spent at your cabin.
We will be saying a prayer for you and your family.
Julie and Steve Grisham
Melanie Webb Howard
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Whit was an awesome person.. Sending love and prayers to the family
Angela Reed Ravi
Saturday, February 23, 2019
I’m so sorry for your losss. I am sending heartfelt thoughts and prayers for your comfort.
Bill Hargraves
Friday, February 22, 2019
For All of our youth ,growing up together, School together , camping ,riding bicycles ,discussing and arguing on everything from baseball - basketball -football or how to fish for Bass to Bream, and especially how to hunt ducks ...we were the best of friends , played a lot of tennis and golf, best buddies...sidekicks.We just seemed to grow up and lost soul to soul contact. We talked occasionally but not often enough. He was for many years my best friend & I’m going to miss him , just as I have for many years .My profound condolences to all of his family. The world has lost a really good man .
Bev and Norma Hargraves
Thursday, February 21, 2019
So sorry to hear of Whit's untimely passing. Growing up, he was good friends with my brother, Bill. He was a true gentleman and will be missed.
Patrick Poe
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Patty and family,
Sorry for your loss. Thomas served a lot and he will always be with you all.
Terri Seeman Hollowell
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Patty and family,
I was shocked and sadden to hear of Whits passing. At our last class reunion we all talked about how some of us were in such good health and he was mentioned many times. He was always smiling and glad to see everyone. Please know that you all will be in my prayers in the days ahead. May God wrap His arms around you and give you peace until you are together again. Terri
Annette Hurley
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Patty,
Thanks be to God for Whit and his smile, sense of humor and kindness he always showed to me. May your family be comforted in this transition by the warmth of friends and our fly fishing buddies who love you and care so much.
Peace to you,
Annette
Glenda Davis
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Patty,
I was so sorry to read about your loss of your husband. May God be with you in this time of grief. Somehow it just does not seem right to lose someone that young when you should have had many more years together.
Glenda
wayne reed
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
A true son of the South, God bless. --Wayne Reed
Marty Hayes
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Come June, somewhere deep in the Boundary Waters on the US-Canada border, the first walleye out of the skillet will be consumed in honor of my friend Whitt.
Warm barrels and tight lines, buddy.
Marty
Sid & Pat Gipson
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Patty & Whitten:
We were shocked and deeply saddened when we received the news that Whit had passed away. Whit was a very dear friend and one of the nicest and kindest people we have ever known. We will miss him tremendously. Words simply are not adequate to express just how badly are hearts are broken over this.
Patty, Pat and I have been blessed to have been friends with you and Whit over the past 40 years. We had many fun and memorable times together fishing, hunting, and simply enjoying each other's company. We will forever treasure the wonderful memories of our "adventures" and time together.
I (Sid) came to love Whit like a brother during our more than 35 years as hunting buddies. Our time together at deer camp and in the woods was always fun, exciting, and filled with playing jokes on each other. I will particularly miss having Whit and his motor home parked beside mine, and waiting to see if he had any luck each morning and night. It will never be the same without him, but Whit will always be in my heart and memory. His friendship was the kind that never fails or fades. Whit was one of a kind, and I loved that about him. His passing leaves a huge hole in my heart.
Whitten, your dad was a wonderful father who loved you very much and was extremely proud of you. He always talked about you and kept us updated on you. I remember his bringing you to hunt with him when you were old enough, and enjoyed watching you grow and mature throughout the years. I know you will miss your dad, but he will always be with you and will continue watching over you.
Please accept our heart-felt condolences and sincere sympathy. Whit is now in the place where we all hope to be someday. We are looking forward to seeing him again.
With much love to both of you,
Sid & Pat
Alan Hargraves
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Enjoyed many very cold and lucrative duck hunts together as we grew up and seperated our ways. May the wind be at your back and the heavens await your arrival. Sleep well my friend.
Herbert Storey "Shorty"
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Loyd Welbern
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Mike & Sheila Keen
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Very sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Whit was a great friend to have and will remembr all the good memories we had hunting together at L & M hunting club.
Jerry and Charlotte Day
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Thinking of you
Barry & LaDonna Brown
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
We are heart broken at the loss of our friend, Whit Lueken. I would say he'll be missed but we miss him already. Patty, Whitten and Carly, we are holding you in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
Jan ellis
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Patty and Whitten, I can’t adequately express my sorrow on Whit’s passing. Our families have spent so many special times together and I deeply treasure those memories. All of you are deeply loved and in my prayers. My heartfelt condolences, Jan
Missy Ellis
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Our hearts are heavy over the loss of our kind, caring friend, Whit. Patty, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Missy Ellis
Carolyn and Truman Hackworth
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
We are so sorry to hear of Patty and Whitten's loss.
Ralph Teed
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
My condolences to Patty and the family. Whitt was a good friend during our college days.