Wendell Dene Arrington

Wendell Dene Arrington, 89, of Miles, Texas, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born on August 10, 1935, to Elton Hurshley and Gladys Leona (Bennett) Arrington, in San Angelo, Texas. He married the love of his life Mary Joe Edelmon in a ceremony in San Angelo, Texas. They spent 69 years together, making many beautiful memories along the way. Wendell spent his life as a jack of all trades. He was a pilot, for fun, who would crop dust in the afternoons with his girls in tow, taking tight exciting turns and inciting laughter and joy from his children. He was also a collector of antiques farm-related, of course. Wendell even built his own barn-style museum to hold his unique finds, from tools, to antique cars, trucks and tractors, it held it all. Wendell never did anything halfway, he even worked as a body man at Jim Bass Ford and eventually on his own, building many close relationships along the way. There wasn’t much he couldn’t do. He could fix and restore just about anything. He enjoyed the freedom of working for himself, so taking over the family farm seemed like the next logical step. Farming for over 35 years.

Wendell is preceded in death by his parents, Elton and Gladys Arrington, and his sister Karen Marlene Pearson, as well as most all of his close friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Mary, and his daughters Bonnie (Daved) Slone of Miles, Rhonda (Jim) Nichols of Miles, Lisa (Phillip) Ward also of Miles. Seven grandchildren Jeremy Slone, Brenna Slone-Mendez, Dana Browder, Bryce Ward, Blane Ward, Fallon Key and Kylar Key. Eight great grandchildren He is also survived by his sister Nancy Bilberry and 4 nieces.

Wendell will lay in state for viewing at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, Texas on May 8, 2025, during normal business hours.

A graveside service will be held for Wendell at Mullins Cemetery on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 2:00 pm with Mike Thompson officiating.

The family wishes to thank Concho Hearts Hospice for excellent care and support during this difficult time.