Wesley W. 'Wes' Arington
Englewood, FL formerly of Hobart and East Gary, IN
June 15 1929-December 3 2013
Wes passed away peacefully on December 3 following a life well-lived and a courageous battle with cancer. Wes was a stranger to no one and will be remembered for his love of life, family, sports, his outgoing personality and his stories. Born in Gary, Indiana, and raised in East Gary Indiana, Wes loved athletics and played baseball and basketball throughout his high school and college days. A graduate of East Gary Edison High School and Ball State Teacher's College, Wes taught school and coached in East Gary during the 1950's before starting a successful career at United States Steel Corp. that spanned nearly 25 years. He retired from USS in 1984 as the Division Supervisor of Employee Relations. Wes and his wife (late) Pat Koenig were married August 26, 1950 and made their home in Hobart until moving to Englewood, Florida in September of 1994. Wes was active for many years in the Hobart Jaycees and was a proud JCI Senator (#5475). He served for several years on the Hobart School Board and was an avid supporter of all Hobart athletic programs—GO BRICKS! He was active in the Calumet Area Personnel association, and a charter member of both the US Steel Supervisors Club and Gary Tech Credit Union. In Florida, Wes continued to exemplify an important belief of the Jaycee Creed, "That Service to Humanity Is the Best Work of Life." He actively gave of his time and talent to his Englewood community. He served for 13 years as president of his neighborhood association and was an active member of the Elks, Eagles and Moose lodges. Of all sports, Wes loved baseball most and was a true blue Cub fan for his 84 years. He was at his happiest when spending time with his family in Indiana or hosting them in Florida. Wes was preceded in death by his parents Dorothy (Lester) Arington, Wesley Winslow Sr., sister Carol Lee, brother Raymond, infant daughter Kathy Lynn and loving wife of 58 years Patricia 'Pat' (Koenig). He is survived by daughter Donna (Mike) Petraits of Brownsburg, IN, son John (Pam) Arington of Brownsburg, IN, granddaughters Jordan (Chris) Moore, Bryn Hatton, and Jenna Arington, great grandsons Ethan Shelton and Parker Moore. Also step-grandchildren Brian (Laura) Petraits, and Courtney (Nick) Pride. A memorial service will be held at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart on Saturday December 28 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the ELKS Charities or American Cancer Society.