October 2, 1922 - August 28, 2016
Visitation
Wednesday, August 31, 2016 from 4-7:30 p.m. at Moreland Funeral Home
Service
Thursday, September 1, 2016 10:30 a.m. at Moreland Funeral Home
Burial
Otterbein Cemetery
ARN
Robert E. Arn, age 93, of Westerville, passed away Sunday, August 28, 2016 at home. Retired from State of Ohio Purchasing. Founding partner of Arn and Roush Hardware in 1951. Member of First Presbyterian Church of Westerville, American Legion Post 171, VFW Post 7883 of Westerville, Blendon Masonic Lodge 339 and Aladdin Temple Shrine. Graduate of Westerville High School in 1940 and Otterbein College in 1948. Civilian Pilot Training Ohio State University, Commercial Pilot License in 1941. Flew 179 antisubmarine patrols as a CAP Pilot over Gulf of Mexico 1942/43. Joined Army Air Corp in 1943. Qualified to fly 34 types of military aircraft. Served as pilot in China, Burma and India flying 106 combat cargo missions over the Hump into China and Search and Rescue missions. Life Member of Hump Pilots Assn.. Awarded Congressional Gold Medal for CAP service, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, President Meritorious Badge and many other WWII Theater awards along with several Chinese medals and awards. Survived by his son, Bob (Terry) Arn; daughter, Deb (Steve) Segner; grandchildren, Julie (Bo) Glasscock, Brent (Deanna) Segner, Jeni Arn and Heidi Cordle; eight great-grandchildren; special friends, Mike (Bev) Etling and Steve (Judy) Romeo. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Jacquelyn (Jackie), parents, Frank C. and Louise Arn, brother, Frank Delmar Arn. Friends may call at the MORELAND FUNERAL HOME, 55 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, Wednesday 4-7:30 p.m. where service will be held Thursday at 10:30 a.m., Rev. Mark Gauen, officiating. Interment Otterbein Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Legion Post 171, 393 E. College Avenue, Westerville, OH 43081 or Harbor Lights Hospice, 751 Brooksedge Plaza Drive, Westerville, OH 43081. Old Pilots never die, they just spread their wings and fly. Capt. Arn cleared for take-off.
Condolences
Rick Ashley - Sep 6, 2016
I never met Mr. Arn, but after reading about him I wish I would have had the opportunity. The country would be better off today if it had more men of his character and dedication. I am sorry for your loss.
DICK YANTIS - Sep 1, 2016
Dear Debbie,
I, too, greatly enjoyed the many interesting stories that your Dad told me about the 30s and the 40s in wonderful “old” Westerville, and his flying experiences – especially his time in India. His recollection of people, places and events of those years was phenomenal. I miss him already. He was, indeed, a unique Westerville treasure.
Penny Ullom Woehle - Aug 31, 2016
Dear Debbie..so sorry to learn about your father’s passing. I am in Colorado visiting my grandchildren and Tom contacted me. It was so nice visiting with you several months ago at the hospital. It had been a very long time since we had connected. Your Dad was definetly a legacy and will be remembered for all his wonderfull accomplishments. I still remember how pleasant he was when I use to pick you up walking to school so many years ago. Like my Dad he is at peace now and re-united with the “love of his life”. You and your family have my deepest sympathy. Penny Ullom Woehle
Col Ted Shaffer, CAP - Aug 30, 2016
Deepest sympathy to the Arn Family. A beloved Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather has been lost. An American Hero has been lost.
Rock Lantz - Aug 30, 2016
I look back on my visits with Bob and the times we shared in his home looking at all of the pictures and memorabilia. He was truly a hero in a time of need. I am pleased he was able to enjoy the Central Ohio Honor Flight and that he enlightened me with his many stories of WWII.
God Bless, Bob Arn. You are now with Jackie.
Alan Briggs - Aug 29, 2016
I met Bob at my first American Legion meeting. He noticed the Flying Tiger emblem on my shirt and crossed the room to talk to me. That’s when I learned of our common connection to the Tigers. He was a walking history lesson and he loved going to schools. He would accompany us to talk to students and I learned more and more about those early days of aviation. I’ve lost count of the activities Bob supported for the Legion and VFW in Westerville. We are all better for having known him. Mixture rich, throttle forward, Bob. Clear air ahead. God bless.
Diane Fosselman - Aug 29, 2016
My deepest condolences to your family. Bob was a Westerville treasure. I’m thankful he was able to share his life experiences with so many, so history will live on through his stories. I will miss seeing him on Memorial Day dressed in his uniform! Bob was a true hero.
Heaven’s gain.