Edward Wooten Obituary

Edward T. Wooten PORTSMOUTH - Edward Thearl "E.T." Wooten, 67, of the 2000 block of Wyoming Ave., passed away Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in his residence. He was a longtime resident of Portsmouth, a 1963 graduate of Churchland High School, proudly served his country in the Army National Guard for 21 years, and retired as a customer service supervisor from the City of Chesapeake public utilities department with 30 years of service. E.T. loved nature and was an avid bird watcher who volunteered at the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Caleb. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Martha L. Wooten; a daughter, Michelle W. Zemienieuski and husband Mike; and grandson, Timothy. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Philip Parker. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 6 to 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bon Secours Hospice or to the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Foundation Inc., 4510 Twin Pines Road, Portsmouth, VA 23703 or online at www.hofflercreek.org. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Nov. 24, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Wooten

6 Entries

John Knowles

November 25, 2009

Deepest sympathies. He was a great guy and did a lot for the Chesapeake Public Utilities Department when he worked there.

karen wood

November 24, 2009

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

November 24, 2009

Everyone associated with him at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve grew to love E.T. as a man who treasured the natural beauty and wonder of the world. His enthusiasm for the preserve was contagious as he welcomed visitors, guided newcomers, and volunteered to tackle any task at hand. From 1999 until 2007, E.T. was the unofficial mascot of Hoffler Creek, recognized as a colorful character with a big heart. And his impact was profound. Though poor health kept him away for the last two or three years of his life, many visitors returning to the preserve still ask about him. We all miss him.

Randi Strutton
Executive Director
Hoffler Creek Wildlife Foundation

BILLl ARRINGTON

November 24, 2009

Thearl & I became friends early in High School. He became my best buddy. He was the type of friend that you could always count on no matter what. Thearl always had my back and I had his.
We both worked at the Colonial store bagging groceries, we hunted together and generlly just hung out. While in high school Thearl bought the ugliest 1952 lime green Ford ever seen. The paint was like powder and would get all over your clothes if you brushed against it. The left rear window got broken so Thearl put in a piece of cardboard with tape. That window would blow out everytime we went across the Churchland Bridge and Thearl would get mad at me because I was never fast enough to catch it before it blew out. I have a million Thearl stories just as I know Thearl had a million Bill stories.
When Thearl started to date Martha I was smart enough to tell him that he was lucky to get her. Who knew then what a great love story they would become. I know that after all their years of marriage he loved Martha more than ever.
Lastly Thearl took his military service very seriously. He loved his country and was a patriot in every sense of the word. He always encourged me in my military career also.
I could write a book about Thearl but space here is limited. I intend to pass every story I have on to Thearl's family, especially Tim his grandson.
I will close by saying good bye to my old friend. Without you my world will never quite be as happy a place as it was.
I love you and expect to see you again someday. Maybe I can get another chance at catching that cardboard window?

Bill Arrington, Major, ARMOR,
USAR (RET)

November 24, 2009

A LOVING ULCLE AND BROTHER IN LAW loved to camp and fish in all a great person who will be miss by all.OUR PRAYS goes to the family.

November 24, 2009

It is with much sadness to hear of Edward's death.I was fortunate to have known him during his Military career,and I have never served with a more dedicated soldier.His attention to duty,military bearing,and respect for others was an inspiration to all in our unit,and he was respected by all enlisted men and officers as well.I am proud to have been his Commanding Officer for more than seven Years.My heartfelt prayers go out to his family at this most sad time.
Sincerely,
James H. Yandle, Major, USA (ret)

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