Larry Arnold, 78, South Whitley, passed away peacefully with family at his side at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, after a few months of battling cancer. He was born on Nov. 10, 1936, at home in South Whitley, the son of George Esta and Opal (Lancaster) Arnold.

Larry spent his childhood just a few doors away from where he spent his entire adult lifetime in South Whitley. He delivered daily newspapers throughout South Whitley and began working for his father at E.G. Arnold Oil and Parts as a young boy of 12 years old. He graduated from South Whitley High School with the Class of 1954 where he played basketball and baseball. After graduation he entered the United States Army serving in the National Guard. When he returned to South Whitley, he continued working for his father. He married the love of his life, Janet Clark on Oct. 27, 1963. In 1978 the name of the business was changed to Arnold Brother’s Oil and Parts.

He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints, Columbia City. Larry loved his family and his church and served in many capacities. He was very instrumental in the organization of the Columbia City church Branch which first met at the high school starting 17 years ago. Fifteen years ago he assisted in land selection and the building of the local LDS church. He was Branch President for 5 years. He and his wife served as local church missionaries for the past 6 ½ years conducting numerous LDS Strengthening Marriage and Family Seminars throughout Indiana and Northern Kentucky. He was a lifetime member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation where he cherished the times he and his sons would elk and deer hunt in Colorado, Wyoming and Indiana. He also volunteered as a Boy Scout Leader while his sons were of age to attend. Larry was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and loved Classic Cars and attending Swap Meets and car shows. He was also a member of NRA and Whitley County Patriots.

Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years: Janet Arnold, South Whitley; four sons: Craig R. (Leslie) Arnold, Columbia City; Douglas B. (Vicki) Arnold, Cowley, Wyo.; Ross B. (Sherralynn) Arnold, NOrth Odgen, Utah; and Jarret J. (Alethea) Arnold, San Antonio, Texas; 20 grandchildren; one brother: Eddie Wayne (Edna) Arnold, South Whitley; and three sisters: Norma June (LYnn) Kyler, Fla.; Doris Jean (the late Bill) Hurd, South Whitley; and Connie Lee (Kevin) Snyder, Fort Wayne. He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter: Marissa Kaye Arnold, in 1969; brother: Jimmie Dean Arnold; and sister: Betty Lou Jackson.

Visitation will be held on from 3-5 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints, Columbia City at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13. Presiding will be LDS Fort Wayne Stake President Ferril Sorenson, Conducting will be Bishop Jens Clegg, Elder Tom Chamberlain will serve as organist and Sister Jennifer Chamberlain will be directing the music. Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetery.