WEST UNITY, Ohio – DeWayne Lee “Dewey” VanArsdalen, 87, of West Unity, died Wednesday afternoon, May 2, 2018, at CHP Inpatient Hospice in Defiance, following a brief battle with cancer. He was born April 18, 1931, in Fayette, to the late Clifford Lee and Ethel Irene (Haas) VanArsdalen.
A 1949 graduate of Alvordton High School, he enlisted to serve our country in the United States Air Force, and served during the Korean conflict. While stationed in Maine, he met the love of his life, Myrtle Louise Pinette, and they married on June 27, 1955, in Presque Isle. She survives.
Prior to his retirement in 1991, Dewey was employed for 35 years at Aro Corporation in Bryan, where he earned his title of assembly foreman at the young age of 27. He was active in civic duties to his community, serving as a school board member for the Millcreek-West Unity School District, and serving the village of Alvordton in many capacities ranging from the fire department, village councilman, to even a term as mayor. He was a faithful member of the West Unity United Methodist Church, where he served as a Layperson and a Sunday School teacher. He was also an active 46-year member of the American Legion Junior Wyse Post 669, and a proud life-member of the Hilltop Athletic Boosters.
Dewey loved baseball, and he coached all skill levels from T-ball up, for 28 years, including three years for the Hilltop Cadets. He and Myrtle saw much of the country on many enjoyable trips visiting family scattered throughout, and he greatly anticipated his annual trips to visit Myrtle’s roots in Maine. He truly loved and lived his life to the fullest extent, and his faith in his Lord and Savior never wavered.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 62 years, Myrtle, are three daughters, Debra (Mike) Hand of West Unity, Robyn Henry of West Unity and Deana (Tony) Hand of Fayette; two sons, David VanArsdalen of Alvordton and Bruce (Rhonda) VanArsdalen of West Unity; a brother, Clifford E. (Carol)VanArsdalen of Alvordton; 12 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; and many foster grandchildren.
The family will receive friends for a visitation on Sunday afternoon, May 6, 2018, from 1-7 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home in Fayette. A memorial service for Dewey will be held on Monday, May 7, at 11 a.m. at the West Unity United Methodist Church with Pastor Deb Widdowson officiating. Military Rites honoring his service will be performed by the American Legion Jr. Wyse Post 669. He will be laid to rest at a later date in the Pleasant View Union Cemetery in Fayette.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider memorial donations in honor of DeWayne to West Unity United Methodist Church or CHP Hospice. Friends may share memories and words of comfort with the family online at www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.
