Obituary of Alonzo Lehman Whitehurst

ALONZO L. WHITEHURST “BIG AL”

Alonzo Lehman Whitehurst “Big Al” was born in Mulvane, Kansas on June 22, 1926 and went home to his Lord on October 27, 2019. He was the only son born to Charles Arthur and Anna Birdella Whitehurst and joined four half- brothers – Gene, Maxwell, Melvin and Glenn, all preceding him in death.

Al joined the military and served with the U. S. Navy aboard the USS Vella Gulf and was in Tokyo Harbor when the peace treaty was signed. Al married Kathleen Wilson a few days after separation from the Navy in June 1945. They had four children who survive him: Robert (Donna) Tacoma, Janet (Jerry) Henkl Tacoma, Daniel (Annie) Burien and Mark (Michelle) of Wichita, Kansas. He also leaves 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his companion Bette Nicholson and beloved dog Missy.

Al worked for Boeing in Wichita and transferred to Washington in 1953 where he supported numerous programs in change management including black projects and various missile programs including the minuteman program at Boeing Field. After leaving Boeing , Al had a furniture and carpet business based in Federal Way and still retained his Mohawk affiliation at the time of his death. He also had “Al’s Transport” and delivered Arima boats across the country – and later the Western U. S. and British Columbia until 2013.

Al loved college football and attended the Husky games for many years. He was an Usher for much of that time.

He moved to Enumclaw in 2012 where he attended Calvary Presbyterian Church and was a member of VFW Post 1949. A highlight of his last years was when he participated in the Puget Sound Honor Flight to Washington D.C. to tour the memorials and visit Arlington National Cemetery. His daughter Janet accompanied him.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, November 14 at 11:00 am at Calvary Presbyterian Church followed by committal at Mt. Tahoma National Cemetery at 2:30 pm.

Memorials may be sent to Calvary Presbyterian Church, 1705 Porter ST, Enumclaw, WA 98022 or VFW Post 1949, PO BOX 14, Enumclaw, WA 98022.