Glen Whitmer

Glen was known for his endearing characteristics of happiness, friendship, gratefulness, unconditional love and a wonderful sense of humor. He was born, a special needs son, to Delbert and Jeannine Whitmer on October 1, 1962 in Phoenix, Arizona. He filled his purpose on the earth and passed away at the age of 54 in Tucson, Arizona on February 9, 2017. Services will be held Saturday, February 18th at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints old Central chapel located at 2597 N. Church Ave., Central, Arizona. A viewing will be held from 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. While Glen required special care, his family soon began to realize that he would be a tremendous blessing and teacher to each one of them throughout his life. Glen loved his family. He spoke of them often and over the years carried hundreds of photos with him to pass the time. In addition, Glen couldn't have had a more dedicated mother than Jeannine; a mother who found great joy in nurturing him and in helping him achieve his potential. He grew up in Phoenix and enjoyed attending school at the MARC center, the Perry Institute, and Desert Valley High School for the mentally and physically handicapped. He made many lifelong friends at church, Special Primary and at school. He also participated many years in the Special Olympics and earned more than 75 medals. He was proud of his accomplishments and enjoyed competing and spending time with his friends. As a young adult, he moved with his parents to the town of Central in the Gila Valley. Glen was a people person and it didn't take long for him to make new friends and find great satisfaction in going to work at the Graham County Rehabilitation Center (GCRC). He progressed in life at his own pace and in 2003 moved into an assisted group home. He loved his care givers and his roommates. He also appreciated any service that was given to him and always expressed his gratitude to others. Glen belonged to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and had a natural ability to love others unconditionally as Christ did. He is survived by his mother Jeannine Whitmer, Mark Whitmer (brother) and Candy Vincent, Lamar Whitmer and Colleen London, William "Butch" and Delynn (sister) Bodine, Lon (brother) and Raechel Whitmer, Richard and Wanda (sister) Thompson, 10 nephews, five nieces, 19 grandnieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Glen's family will miss him. He was preceded in death by his father Delbert L. Whitmer and his nephew Jordan Michael Whitmer.