Arlin Maynard Pennington

Arlin Maynard Pennington passed away peacefully at age 87 in the comfort of his home on January 31, 2022. He was surrounded by family including his wife of 62 years, Rose. Born on February 5, 1934 in Olney, Maryland, Arlin lived a rich life, spending his last 27 years in Edgewood, NM where he built his retirement home. Services will be held February 25 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church. The Rosary will begin at 9:30 AM, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Arlin's final resting place will be at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, with the Veteran's Ceremony to be held at 10:30 AM on March 1.

Arlin is preceded in death by his parents, Arlin Armistead and Mary Katherine Pennington; and two sisters, Yvonne and Doris. He is survived by brother, Sidney; daughter, Kim; and grandson, Wesley from a previous marriage; his and Rose's children: sons, Anthony and partner Debbie, Kurt and wife Teresa, Bryan, and daughter Caterina and husband Gerald; seven grandchildren, Sarah, Michelle, Jessica, Nicole, Michael, Elizabeth, and Joseph; and four great-grandchildren, Soleil, Stellan, Jensen, and Divina.

Born into a dairy family in Maryland, Arlin started his life working hard on a farm. Upon graduating from Gwynn Park High School in 1952, he worked in the tobacco fields before enlisting in the US Marines. He served from 1952 - 1955 and was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. He attended the Universities of Alabama and California, obtaining a BSEE and MBA with a focus on Systems Engineering & Program Management. His resume and professional accomplishments could fill an encyclopedia, as he held Senior and Executive positions for TRW Space & Strategic Missile Defense Systems, Bell Helicopter Textron in Tehran, Iran, and the Superconducting Super Collider - to name a few.

He also had an entrepreneurial flair where he owned and managed a Gambles franchise and Pennington Southwest Appliance & Electronics in Roswell, NM and his life-long consulting company Systems Technology Inc. After retiring to Edgewood, NM he built a log home. He loved it so much that he launched Enchanted Log Homes, working for several more years until his health forced him to retire permanently.

Let it be said that Arlin was a self-made man, a hard worker, and never idle. His mantra was "There's no such thing as free lunch". He never relied on anyone for a hand-out and was the consummate Provider.

In addition to Arlin's technical and professional accomplishments, he was a lover of the outdoors, camping, hunting, fishing, golf, and backyard family BBQ's. He was very involved in civic community service, including serving on the San Bernardino California Sheriff's Reserve and the New Mexico Mounted Patrol volunteer law enforcement agency.  As District Governor and President of Optimist International he built several clubs in New Mexico and Southwest Texas, fitting for a man who was a true Optimist.

Arlin loved music, especially classic Country, yet he would turn on Frank Sinatra, Classical Music, or Opera. He loved to dance with his bride Rose to jitter-bug hits. He would often sing and harmonize to the radio, especially the old church hymns.  He encouraged music in the home and his children. His world travels, experiences, and his sense of humor always provided entertaining conversations.

He placed high value on work ethics and education. At times it could be hard to live up to his expectations, but he only wanted excellence for his family. However, he never asked more than what he was willing to do himself.  Arlin can be summed up as a loving husband and father, a leader, a provider, an optimist, and a most interesting and remarkable man.

His legacy will live on through his beautiful wife and family.

He will be greatly missed.