Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Calvin Arnold, Jr 1935-2012

Calvin Arnold, Jr., son of the late Calvin Arnold, Sr. and Mattie Melinda (Isabelle) Arnold, was born July 31, 1935 in Henderson, Tennessee where he grew up and attended school.

Calvin entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully for the next 30 years. He earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: National Defense Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Service Star and 3 Bronze Service Stars, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal United Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal (9h Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award) and Expert Qualification Badge M16. He had attained the rank of Sergeant Major.

While in the military, Calvin did several tours in Vietnam and was stationed in Korea for a time. While in Korea, Calvin met the love of his life, Yong Cha An. They were married on September 23, 1970. Jerry, their first son, was born in Korea before the family was relocated to the United States. Calvin and Young were blessed with another son, Mark, after moving to the States. Calvin was also stationed in Panama, Mississippi, Wisconsin and eventually came to Fort Leonard Wood. On May 31, 1986, Calvin retired from the military and the family decided to stay in the Fort Leonard Wood area.

After retiring from the military, Calvin began working as a contractor for the civil service on Fort Leonard Wood. He also worked for the Waynesville Vo-Tech School as a substitute teacher in the building trades department.

In his spare time, Calvin loved being outdoors; whether it was trout fishing, gardening or walking his mile every day. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and enjoyed watching them play. One thing you could find Calvin doing and that was cleaning his car. He appreciated a clean automobile. He was a member of the American Legions, Waynesville Masonic Lodge #375 AF & AM, and the Waynesville /Ft. Wood Shrine Club.

Calvin loved his family dearly. He enjoyed taking his wife to play Bingo and spending time with his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved him.

Calvin passed away the morning of Saturday, April 21, 2012 in the Mercy Hospital of Springfield, Missouri having attained the age of 76 years, 8 months and 21 days.

Calvin leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Yong Arnold of the home; two sons: Jerry Arnold (Tina) of Fulton, MO and Mark Arnold of Springfield, MO; two grandchildren: Matalin and Nicholas Arnold; three sisters: Ruth Worsham, and Zola Rowland, both of Jackson, TN and Thelma Beshires of Henderson, TN; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Calvin was preceded in death by three brothers: Archie, JW and Doyle Arnold.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, 2012 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Rev. Danny Graves officiating. The songs “In the Sweet By and By”, “Ships of Heaven”, “Smile” and “God Gave Me You” were played. Serving as escorts were Jerry Arnold, Mark Arnold, Nicholas Arnold, Smith Cade, Johnny Pierpoint and Bob Williams. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

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