Earl Arnold

Earl E. Arnold, 80, of Bremerton, WA, formerly of Tacoma, WA, died January 3, 2004, at Harrison Memorial Hospital in Bremerton. Earl was born August 27, 1923, in Wichita, KS, to Robinson C. and Lillian (Crites) Arnold. He married Norma Amdal. They later divorced and she preceded Earl in death on April 9, 1988. Earl married Carroll Fahlstrom Stepp on June 26, 1976, in Auburn, WA. Earl graduated from Fremont High School in Fremont, CA, and then served in the US Navy achieving the rank of FC3. He served aboard the USS Leutze (DD481) in World War II and was a kamakaze survivor. After the Navy he enlisted in the US Airforce and worked at McCord AFB in Tacoma, WA, as an aircraft mechanic. After being discharged, he continued to work at McCord in civil service as an aircraft mechanic. When he retired from McCord, Earl worked at Pacific Propeller Inc in Kent, WA. Earl was a master carpenter and enjoyed wood carving. He was a great Seattle Seahawks fan and loved to golf, bowl, play the violin and trumpet, and play pinochle. Earl was a lifetime member of the VFW and was awarded the VFW White Hat for his service as Past Post Commander. He was also a longtime member of the Baha'i Faith. Survivors include his wife Carroll of Bremerton, WA; four sons, Steve Arnold and his wife Debbie of Kirkland, WA, Michael Arnold and his wife Diane of Bremerton, WA, Paul Arnold of Burien, WA, and Jeff Arnold and his wife Melanie of Milledgeville, GA; two step daughters, Jill Stepp Johnston and her husband Gary of Vader, WA, and Sharon Stepp Turner and her husband Art of Toledo, WA; one bother Robert Arnold and his wife Ruth of Everett, WA; 19 grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren. Earl was preceded in death by a brother Edwin Arnold. Services will be held Sunday, January 4, 2004, 3:00PM, at Rill Chapel's Life Tribute Center in Port Orchard, WA. Interment with military honors will be Wednesday, January 8, 2004, 10:30AM , at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA. Memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association, 4414 Woodland Park Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103; the Diabled American Vets, 2815 Burwell, Bremerton, WA 98310; or to a charity of your choice.