Robert M. Arnold, of Lebanon, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on December 21, 2023, at the age of 77. He was born July 11,1946 in Dayton, Ohio to Jack and Velma (nee Siebert) Arnold.
Bob grew up in Dayton, OH where he attended Patterson Co-Op High school and met the love of his life, Leta Elaine Thomas. Bob and Elaine were High-School sweethearts. When Bob was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War, the couple decided to marry. On March 19th, 1966, the two said their vows. Bob served in the Army from 1966 to 1968 in the 3rd Infantry division in Germany as an SP4 (the current-day equivalent of a Corporal) as a Personnel clerk.
Following his deployment, Bob returned to Dayton to work for General Motors (Delco Chassis) and retired after 30 years of service. Bob had many "jobs" in the plant, but the one that he found the most amusing was when he ran the "Suggestion Department." It didn't take long after leaving Delco for Bob to realize that retirement was not for him. He began driving a school bus to fill the void, not expecting to fall in love with it. Bob was every kid's dream bus driver, buying treats and joking with the kids. Making connections with the students and their parents provided a sense of pride and fulfillment for Bob.
Traveling and camping went hand in hand for Bob. Having owned many different "RVs" in his life, his favorite activity was sitting around the campfire for hours telling stories and jokes. If he wasn't going to the mountains of Gatlinburg, he could be found camping on the weekends in one of Ohio's many wonderful state parks.
Bob also spent many years working with the Northmont Band Boosters organization. Bob took on the roles of "Vice-President" and then "Booster President", while his daughter Melissa was in High school. Bob spent countless hours running the concession stand during Friday night football games and traveling with the Marching Band for every competition, including going to Jacksonville, Florida where the band marched in the 1987 Gator Bowl.
Bob was preceded in death by parents, Jack and Velma Arnold; and brother, Jack Arnold.
Bob is survived by: wife, Elaine Arnold; daughter, Melissa (Tony) Woodward; and grandchildren, Sarah Woodward, Abby Woodward, and A.J. Woodward.
Visitation will be Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 2:00 PM until the Words of Remembrance beginning at 2:30 PM at Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, Mason, Ohio 45040. After the service, family and friends are invited to share their favorite "Bob Story" at Marions Pizza on Tylersville Road in Mason, OH from 4:00 to 6:30.
Mueller Funeral Home
Mueller Funeral Home
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