Earl Arnett

Avilla - Earl Arnett, 93, of Avilla, passed away on May 11, 2017.  He was born in Breathitt County, Kentucky on March 17, 1924.  He married his life long love Bessie Rose (Smith) Arnett on July 16, 1942.  They moved to Fort Wayne and then found their permanent home in Avilla in 1956.  There they raised and loved their six children, Charlotte, Roger, Barbara, Chris, Kenneth, and Patricia.  Earl and Bessie lovingly supported each others dreams - Bessie to become a minister and Earl to own and operate Avilla Salvage and Towing.  Earl's business became an important part of Avilla and Noble County.  Earl, and his dog Sissie, rescued many friends and strangers at any time of day or night, in all types of weather.  Earl was a mentor and friend to all in his community, especially to his family.  Earl was a great man and will be missed by many.  We should all live our lives guided by the light he lived by daily. 

His legacy is being carried on by his daughter, Charlotte Engle and grandson Kevin (Kim) Engle; his son, Roger and daughter in law Brenda, and grandchildren, Julie Arnett, Robin (Brad) Hamilton, Jeremy (Tara) Arnett, Leah Arnett, Nathan Arnett, and Taylor Arnett; daughter, Barbara Egly, and grandchildren, Michael (Jenny) Egly, Mark Egly, and Lori Dubea, son Chris and daughter in law Laenise, and grandchildren Christopher Arnett and Amy Fulford, son Kenneth who passed away, and grandchildren, Stephanie (Jeff) Kirkpatrick and Matthew (Smolinski) Arnett, and daughter Patty and son in law Dean Schaefer, and grandchildren Sara Woosley, Kari Uphold, and Andrew (LaTasha) Schaefer, and many great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.  Also surviving is his younger brother, Charles Arnett, and sister Flossie Martin.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Bessie: son, Kenneth; grandson, David, great granddaughter, LaEah, his mother and father, and brothers  and sisters. 

Funeral Service is 11:00am on Monday May 15, 2017 at Harper Funeral Homes, Avilla Chapel, 530 N Main St., Avilla, with visitation one hour prior.  Visitation also from 2:00-6:00pm on Sunday May 14, 2017 at the funeral home.  Burial at Swan Cemetery, south of Avilla.  Contributions in Earl's memory may be directed to Humane Society of Noble County or the Avilla Volunteer Fire Department.  To leave online condolences, visit www.harperfuneralhomes.com