Arlene Dulin

Arlene Dulin, a schoolteacher of Midland, Texas, was taken suddenly to our Lord on Thursday, June 30, 2005, at age 54.

Born Arlene Eugenia Orr on April 9, 1951, in Alexandria, Virginia, she traveled often in her early years at the benefit of her father, Arnold Orr's, prestigious military career. She schooled in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri; Dexheim, Germany; and graduated from Killeen High School, Texas, in 1969. Arlene majored in Education, receiving an Associates Degree from Central Texas College in 1971 and a Bachelors Degree from Southwest Texas State University in 1973. Always pursuing excellence, she furthered her knowledge by earning a Masters in Education with a Reading Specialist Certification from Northeastern Oklahoma State University in 1979.

While attending graduate school, Arlene taught elementary school in Killeen and Ft. Stockton. After earning her Masters, Arlene began her long teaching career in high school, where she was highly regarded. She taught at Midland Freshman High School from 1979 - 1998. Starting in 1998, Arlene taught English and Literature at Midland Senior High School and never stopped teaching.

Arlene married her sweetheart, Thad Lewis Dulin, on August 4, 1979. They were blessed with the birth of their first and only child, Morgan Lewis Dulin, on July 19, 1983.

Arlene's life revolved around her family and all her kids - her son Morgan and the hundreds of children she instructed over her 34-year career as a schoolteacher. She died just weeks after leading an Italy tour of honors students, along with fellow teachers and dear friends, Betty Underwood and Judy Sproul. Arlene was a leader and a planner, and always selfless. She cared about each and every student that she taught, and we know she touched their lives by the caring sentiments they wrote on the backs of their senior photos, which she kept in her classroom. She was so proud of all their successes, and worked to make them grow as only a loving teacher can.

Arlene was preceded in death by her grandparents: Ernest Orr and Mamie Strong; Harley and Olive Cain. Arlene is survived by her husband of 26 years, Thad Dulin and her loving son, Morgan, 22 years old. Thad resides in Midland, Texas and Morgan attends Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. She is also survived by parents Arnold and Loretta Orr of Tyler, Texas; younger sister Linda Thompson of Olton, Texas; younger brother Dane Orr of Arlington, Texas; nieces Katelyn and Kristen Orr of Athens, Texas. Extended family include Roger Thompson, spouse of sister Linda, from Olton, Texas; Joy Orr, spouse of brother Dane, from Arlington, Texas; and niece Abigail of Arlington, Texas.

Arlene's family takes comfort in knowing that she is with our Lord Jesus Christ and waits for us in heaven where we will see her again. Arlene loved all, and all that knew her greatly loved her in return. The success of her students is a testimony to her life.

Honorary pallbearers are Mike Shapira, Rick Wood, Peggy Woods, Betty Underwood, Chuck Bell, Judy Sproul, and Dan Schantz, of Midland, Texas; and T.J. Threet of Seminole, Texas.

The family will hold visitation on Wednesday, July 6, 2005 at Ellis Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. The memorial service is Thursday, July 7, 2005 at 1 p.m., at the Ellis Funeral Home Chapel.