C. Willis Arnold

Elida

C. Willis Arnold, 89, died at 6:40 p.m. Dec. 3, 2009, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Dec. 31, 1919, in Beaverdam to Leroy and Lilly Yant Arnold, who preceded her in death. On Jan. 20, 1940, he married Bettye Arlene Amstutz, who died April 12, 1994.

Mr. Arnold retired in 1973 as a supervisor from Holtzapple Hatchery, after 40 years. He loved to fish and enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He was married to the love of his life for 54 years. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors also include a son, Lyn L. Arnold, of Elida; a daughter, Donna D. (Ron) Joseph, of Springfield; two brothers, Arthur Arnold, of Beaverdam, and Kenny (Bev) Arnold, of Cairo; a special cousin, Fred (Pat) Arnold, of Beaverdam; seven grandchildren, Lisa (Kent) Townsend, Jeff (Paula) Vorhees, Michele (Mark) Maez, Brian (Melissa) Joseph, Brad (Karen) Vorhees, Monica (Jerry) Perkins and Nicole (Neil) Duchac; 14 great-grandchildren, Jared, Zach, Taylor, Alexa, Amanda, Jennifer, Scott, Lyndsye, Kourtnye, Britenye, Jonah, Keegan, Logan and David; and three great-great-grandchildren, Rilye, Camren and Samara.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen K. (Mike F.) Vorhees; a daughter-in-law, Kay Arnold; and a sister-in-law, Erma Arnold.

Services will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday at Chiles-Laman Funeral Homes, Shawnee Chapel. The Rev. Howard Allison will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Elida.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. until time of services Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease Association or the American Heart Association.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.