George Arnold, 86, Overland Park, Kan., passed away Friday, Feb. 17, 2023.
He was born April 5, 1936, to George E. and Jean Arnold.
He was united in marriage to high school sweetheart, Dorris, Dec. 29, 1957.
George was a 1954 graduate of Warrensburg High School.
He joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 1953. After serving one year, he requested an Inter-Service Transfer to join the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Seafox before joining the Air Force Reserve and was ultimately called to active duty in the U.S. Air Force. His military honors include U.S. Navy – Honor Graduate Boot Camp Company, American Spirit of Honor Medal, Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Submarine Dolphins, Submarine Combat Patrol Insignia.
United States Air Force – Outstanding NCO for 3rd Air Division – 1964, Strategic Air Command Achievement Award, Outstanding Airman of the Year for 3rd Air Division – 1965, Finalist for Strategic Air Command Airman of the Year – 1966, Good Conduct Medal (2), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (2), Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon (2), NCO Academy Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Vietnam Service Ribbon.
Upon retiring from the U.S. Air Force as Air Force First Sergeant with the rank of Master Sergeant, he attended Central Missouri State College completing his bachelor’s degree in education. While teaching and coaching at Warrensburg High School, he completed his master’s degree in school administration at Central Missouri State University and served as junior high school principal in Owensville, from 1978-87. He was also head football coach at Owensville High School from 1977–78. Upon completion of his educational specialist at Central Missouri State University, he served as the principal of Versailles High School until retiring from education in 1995. George was also an active member of the USSVI Topeka-Jefferson City Base U.S. Submarine Veterans Association and served as Past Commander of the Organization.
George was a member of Lenexa Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by parents, George Edward and Iva Jean; and brother, Leslie Arnold.
He is survived by wife of 65 years, Dorris of Overland Park, Kan.; sons, Mick Arnold (Kathy) of Springfield, and Tim Arnold (Lynda) of Lake Quivira, Kan.; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Wednesday (today), Feb. 22, at Lenexa Baptist Church from 9–10:30 a.m. with funeral services following. Burial and Committal Service “Honoring Those Who Served” will be held at Leavenworth National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Lenexa Baptist Church Missions 15320 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, Kan. 66219.
Arrangements entrusted to Amos Funeral Home, Shawnee, Kan.
