Obituaries

Kenny Alston Whitlock

Photo of Kenny Alston Whitlock
Kenny Alston Whitlock, 68, of Hot Springs, Arkansas departed this life on Thursday, January 1, 2015. He was born March 18, 1946, in Okolona (Clark County) Arkansas, to the late Frank Eugene and Willie Madora Huffman Whitlock. Kenny's career in the area of human services for Arkansans spanned nearly 4 decades. Kenny was with the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) and its predecessor agencies for nearly 25 years. He began his life work as a County Supervisor in the Clark County Welfare office in 1969. Kenny served in various positions at DHS including Deputy Commissioner of Social Services, Director of Economic and Medical Services, and Director of Operations/County Offices and others. In 1995, he began work as Executive Vice-President for the Mental Health Council of Arkansas where he remained until his retirement in 2008. Kenny was recognized for his advocacy and significant career-long contributions to community mental health services when he was awarded the 2008 Stockburger Life Achievement Award. His Christian faith directed his career in public service. Kenny was an avid outdoorsman and lifelong sporting enthusiast who enjoyed quail hunting, fishing, baseball, softball and basketball. He played golf with many of the same group of friends for more than 30 years, and was a proud member of the Potbellied Stallions. He is survived by his wife, Toma Noble Whitlock; three children, Kerri Ross (Rusty) of Fordyce, Jason Whitlock (Kelly Jo) of Benton, and Sarah Kabealo (John) of Hot Springs; five grandchildren, Brady and Grace Ann Whitlock, John David and Maggie Ross, and Charles Kabealo; and two brothers, Bill Whitlock (Beverly) of North Little Rock and Jerry Whitlock (Celeste) of Benton along with a host of much-loved cousins. A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held at Center Grove United Methodist Church near Gurdon, Arkansas at 2 p.m., Sunday, January 4, 2015 with visitation to follow. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org) or Arkansas Hospice (www.arkansashospice.org ). Online register is available at www.ruggleswilcox.com.

Published January 3, 2015

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