Obituary for
Arland E. Phelps
Arland E. Phelps, 79, passed away peacefully at home on May 22, 2017, surrounded by family. He finally gave up his long struggle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Martha (Baker) Phelps, sons Randy and Joel, daughter Jennifer, daughter-in-law Daymion, and grandchildren; Grant, Heather, and Izora. He also leaves his brothers Darrell and Harry, and step sisters, Carolyn Dearman and Betty Fischer.
Born and raised in Borger, Texas, the son of Thomas and Mary Phelps. Arland went on to graduate from Sam Houston State University in 1960. He served for 4 years as a captain in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany, where he met his wife, Martha. They were married in 1963 and in 1965 he received his MBA from Michigan State University.
He went onto a career with Ford Motor Company that would span 30 years and 2 countries. After retirement, he and Martha moved to Vero Beach so they could sail their boat, Voyager, all year. In those years they took many sailing trips, from the Bahamas to the Keys. They also traveled extensively on far off adventures. Besides sailing, Arland was also active in the Fort Pierce Yacht Club where he served as Commodore and as a volunteer tax preparer for AARP.
Arland will be remembered lovingly for his love and dedication to his family, his love for sailing, art, music, and dancing. The family wishes to thank his dedicated CNA of almost 4 years Niesha Caines, as well as his hospice team who so lovingly cared for him the last year of his life: Sara, Richard, Mabel, Nikki, Melissa, and Dr. Venazio.
There will a Celebration of Life Service held on June 10th, 2017 at 11:30 am in the clubhouse at The Brennity at Vero Beach; 7955 16th Manor, Vero Beach, FL 32966. Please feel free to visit the online memorial at www.ArlandPhelps.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CurePSP, an organization funding research into the cause and cure of PSP. Donations may be made online at www.curepsp.org or mailed to CurePSP at 30 E. Padonia Rd., Suite 201, Timonium, MD 21093.
