It is with great sorrow, our family announces the unexpected passing of our brave son and soldier 1st Lt. in the United States Army Corp of Engineers, Edward Clarence Whitmore Jr., 35, of Lexington, Virginia. He sadly departed this world, on May 16, 2024, near his home in Lexington, Virginia. He was born July 4, 1988, to Edward Ira Whitmore and Helena Ann Bresock Lemon in Biloxi, Mississippi.

From an early age Ed exhibited unwavering devotion to his relationship with the Savior, and was known to repeatedly read and study his scriptures, completing the Book of Mormon fifteen times. Additionally, he earned his Duty to God Award, graduated from Seminary, and obtained his Eagle Scout Award. He was publicly acknowledged during his scouting program as saving a fellow scouts life.

While attending school, he honed his craft of physical exercise, by participating and gaining skills within multiple sports arenas. He was known for being the hardest hitter on the football team as a middle line-backer, and bested his competition in wrestling, and baseball. He was also known for his prowess in the school weight room. An additional talent he excelled in was playing the trumpet, while holding the position of first chair, for his high school concert band.

He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, as well as a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, from Brigham Young University. During the duration of his studies, Ed dedicated his time to the ROTC, showcasing his love and commitment to the military service. He was the Cadet Commander over the Brigham Young University Army ROTC, which encompassed an additional four University ROTC units.

Due to Ed’s admiration for his country and his spirit of heroism, he exceled and quickly climbed the ranks amongst his peers as a leader with unparalleled dedication and honor to his military service. As a 1st  Lt. in the United States Army Corp of Engineers, Ed was incredibly successful in leading his Army Combat Engineer Sapper Platoon on monthly numerous training exercises. Moreover, he surpassed all other military competitors and held the prestigious Western Regional Title for 1st place in the Army Ranger Challenge.

During his professional career, Ed was a City Planner for Joplin, Missouri, and an automated machine operator for Modine, a Global Manufacturing Company.

Furthermore, Ed was famously known as “The Terminator”. He flourished as a middle weight class MMA fighter, with a record of 16-4 (Win-Loss) in the State of Utah. He held two titles simultaneously for two weight divisions, one for 170, and one for the middle weight division.

He enjoyed hunting, camping, and long walks with his father and brother. He was an avid lover of western wilderness mountain terrain hiking, so much so, that he would do numerous solo trips and trips with his brother, where he would stay for multiple days within intense atmospheres, which tested his survival skills. Anything outdoors was where Ed found his true peace.

He will be desperately missed by many, including his friends. Ed is survived by his parents, Edward Ira and Carrie Ann Whitmore, of Lexington, Virginia, His mother and husband, Helena Ann Bresock and James Greg Lemon, of Draper, Utah. His siblings and their spouses: Brother Joseph Ira Whitmore, of Lexington, Virginia. Sister Angela and Jeremy Jensen, of Eagle Rock, Alaska. Sister Rebecca Ann Cain, Chatham, Virginia, Brother Christopher Lee and Emily Ann Cain, of Layton, Utah.

He is also survived by his grandparents: Hal Norman Bresock, of Utah. Allen and Marilyn Whittenberg, of LaGrange, Kentucky, Ralph Earl and Linda Livingway, of Florida. His aunts and uncles: Teresa Ann Johnson, of Ohio, Chris and Laura Thomas, of Utah, Dawn and Ruth Dodson, of Oregon, Leland Bresock, of Utah. His cousins: Rochelle Tribby, of Ohio, Johnathan, Zachary, Catherine, and Lee Ann Johnson, of Ohio, Harrison, Carter, Grayson, and Willa Mary Thomas, of Utah, Berg, Ethan, and Evan Dodson, of Oregon, Airin, Matthew, Brandon, and Riley Bresock, of Utah, Alexander, and Abrianna Jensen, of Eagle Rock, Alaska. His niece and nephew: Carter Lee and Jennavieve Ann Cain, of Layton, Utah.

Preceded in death by sister Kara Lynn Whitmore, of Covington, Virginia, paternal grandfather Clarence Edward Whitmore, of Covington, Virginia, paternal grandmother, Helen Ruth Weltzheimer, of Ohio, maternal grandmother, Lorna Livingston Bresock, of Utah, Aunt Diane Ruth Whitmore, of Ohio, Uncle Marty Johnson, of Ohio, cousin Morgan Johnson, of Ohio.

Honorary mention of family friends: The Stone Family.

Services will be held at Arritt Funeral Home Chapel Sunday at 2:00 PM with the Rev. Bill Gilliland officiating.

The interment will be made Carter Family Cemetery, at Gravel Ridge Drive (Rt. 600) Null, Virginia, 24426.

Arrangements are being handle Arritt Funeral Home, Covington, VA.

A livestream of the funeral service will be available at the following link:  https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcxNjkyMzY1NDMxMTI0MSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==