Kenneth R. Arkola, 81, of Julian went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at Hubbard House in Charleston after a short illness.
He was born in Westboro, Wisconsin, the second born of eight children to his parents, Arvid and Elsie Arkola. He was also preceded in death by his teenage daughter, Nona Arkola; siblings, Audrey Kennedy, Doris Johnson and Charles, Nancy, Gloria and Marvin Arkola; and three grandchildren, Hope, Faith and Luke.
Kenneth was a veteran of the U. S. Navy and served during the Korean War. He worked as a contractor with Fed Ex for 20 years; and was a substitute teacher at Scott High School. A very faithful active member of Lory Baptist Church, where he served as an usher, van driver, grounds keeper and principal of the Lory Baptist Christian School.
He is survived by four children, Donna (Curt) Shamblin of Danville, Kevin (Cheryl) Arkola of Blacksville, Shelia (Daniel Jr.) Chandler of Peytona and Tony (Kelly) Arkola of Jeffrey; the Mother of his children, Wanda Malcomb; sister, Karen and Pastor Garry Bowman of Julian; sister in law, Judy Arkola; grandchildren, Deidra, Diana, Derek, Makaila, Paul, Katie, Bridget, Jacklyn, Alex, Austin and Owen; and great grandchildren, Layla and Gunner.
Funeral service will be 1:00 pm Friday, April 17, at Lory Baptist Church in Julian, with Pastor Dr. Garry Bowman officiating. Burial will follow at Hill Cemetery in Julian with military graveside rites. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm Thursday at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek.