ARNOLD WELBAUM, 85
ARNOLD WELBAUM, 85, was reunited with the love of his life in Heaven at 8:55 A.M. on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 after 11 years of separation.
He was born December 6, 1924, the eldest son of Russell and Marie Welbaum. On April 19, 1946 he married Anna May Sorrell who preceded him in death on January 7, 1999.
Surviving are his children Cassandra (Gary) Ferris of Fort Wayne, Melody (R. Edward) Smith of Chillicothe, OH, Ben Welbaum of Yoder and Chris (Stephanie) Welbaum of Fort Wayne; three grandchildren, Kevin (Amy) Bower of Somerville, South Carolina, Mitchel and Jacob Welbaum of Yoder; one great granddaughter Grace Bower, siblings, Eldon Welbaum and Wilma Nierman both of Florida, step grandchildren, Josh (Crystal) Seibert, Kevin Seibert, Scott Ferris, and Michael (Crystal) Ferris, step great grandchildren, Alanna, Gabrielle and Carson and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and brother, Larry Lee Welbaum, who died as an infant, and Louella Mannix a younger sister.
Arnold enlisted in the U.S. Navy/Coast Guard in May 1942 and served on the USS Bayfield. As a PA-33 Medic treating a Marine on the beach at Iwo Jima, he saw the original American flag rise on Mount Suribachi. He wore the campaign ribbons of the Asiatic-Pacific with one Bronze Star and participated in the invasion of Okinawa with a Good Conduct Metal. He was honorably discharged on January 8, 1946.
Arnold graduated from Lafayette Center High School on April 17, 1942. He was a graduate of Cornell University, Central Bible College, Indiana Purdue Extension, and a Minister of the Assembly of God Church.
Arnold worked for Martin Construction, Gardner’s Commissary, and Scott Foam (Foamex) where he supervised chemical handling. He enjoyed serving on the board and teaching the Senior High Sunday School class at Nine Mile United Methodist Church.
A Celebration of Life service was held at Southwest Assembly of God Church, 7702 Smith Road, Fort Wayne at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 4, 2010 with 1 hour of calling prior to services. Calling was also on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home For Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, IN. Burial followed in Hoverstock Cemetery, Zanesville, IN.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Bible Society, 1865 Broadway, New York, New York, 10023 in memory of Arnold Welbaum. Please visit www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com for complete information and any updates.
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