Life story

"It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas Kurt Whittington announces that Tom went home to be with the Lord on July 1st, 2023 at the age of 52.

Tom, otherwise known as “Tommy” was born in Oak Lawn, IL on February 1st, 1971. He graduated from West Ottawa High School and went on to receive a bachelor's degree in business from Ferris State University, where he met Amie, the love of his life.

Tom married Amie Lynn Whittington on August 14th, 1999. Tom will be sadly missed by Amie, his endearing son Trysten Thomas, and the apple of his eye, Laken Taylor “Lulu”. He is also survived by his mom, whom he lovingly adored, Shirley Schmidt and her husband Ed Schmidt, Tom’s father, Richard Whittington, as well as by his beautiful, strong, and caring sister Cheryl Elenbaas, and husband Ron Elenbaas, and his nephew Ryan Lambert and his wife Courtney. Rest assured that Tommy is playing a competitive round of golf with his best friend and late brother Bobby Whittington in heaven.

Tom is also survived by a host of beautiful family members: Carol Bryan, Pat and Diane Battaglia, Dixie Howland, Al Ross (Debbie), Albert Ross (Hailey), Alexa Martin (Isaac), Mark Howland, Alicia Howland, Ashley Sackett (John), Max Howland, and countless beautiful nieces and nephews that he treasured so dearly. And also by his comedic cousin, Rich “Richie” Andersen (Marcia) that knew them as – “The Richie and Tom show” – with the laughter and shenanigans they and others shared will be greatly missed.

In his happier times, Tom loved woodworking, he loved working with his hands and was very artistic. Tom with countless friends and family enjoyed skiing, fishing, boating – (especially up north and in Holland), cars, tinkering with motors, and golfing with him. Laken will cherish her slushy – “treat” runs, their countless drives in his truck with the loud music blaring driving to who knows where, and will miss her best friend so dearly as he was her #1 soccer fan. Trysten and many other young men will cherish all the skills and talents Tom instilled in them as they learned what hard work was while having laughter and growth in their character. Following in the footsteps of his Uncle Pat Battaglia, Tom was always prepared to pass out suckers and candy to the little ones as well as everyone, whether on the soccer field, or especially with his nieces and nephews that knew how much their uncle treasured and loved their precious souls. His gift with the little ones was so natural and watching him hold them so close just touched the lives of so many.



Tom left us far too soon. There is no shame in getting help. Depression and addiction are real diseases and are treatable. The suicide and crisis hotline is 988 or 1-800-273-8255.



In lieu of flowers or plants, we ask you to make a donation using the provided link towards the Whittington Support Fund – for memorial & college expenses.



https://gofund.me/e4f05545"