Arthur R. Oswald
Arthur R. Oswald, age 86 of Prospect, slipped into his heavenly life on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at his home. He was born April 28, 1924 in Radnor to the late Ira R. and Estella M. (Kenyon) Oswald.
He graduated from Radnor High School and then attended Coyne Electrical and DeVry Radio and Television Schools in Chicago. Art was formally employed by the Erie and Conrail railroad for 39 years as an electrician. While there, he also served as a local chairman for the system council board. While this was his main profession, many people in Prospect also fondly remember Art as their TV repairman.
Arthur proudly served his country in World War II with three years in the 11th Bomber Group, 7th Air Force, as a sea search radar operator. Before leaving the states on his first tour of duty, he married his high school sweetheart, Davena L. Thomas in a secret ceremony in 1944. Dena kept her wedding ring on a chain around her neck until she graduated so she could continue to attend school. After 58 years of marriage, Dena passed away in 2002.
More widely known as a very active American Legion member, he served as District 6 Commander, Local Post 368 Commander, Sgt. at Arms, and on the Americanism committee. Arthur was presented with a 60-year Continuous Membership Certificate just last year during the village Memorial Day Service.
He was also very active in the community and was a role model for years as the Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 23. He coached Little League and Pony League as well as serving as manager for the Prospect Merchants Girls League.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and William and three sisters, Maye Darby, Faye Rouse and Mary Alice Leaper.
He leaves behind his five children, Michael Oswald, Michigan; Richard (Lois) Oswald, Radnor; Thomas (Lynna) Oswald, Hudson; Steven (Lisa) Oswald, Marion, and Tammy (David) Layne, Prospect; 11 grandchildren, Tessa Thompson, Jon Oswald, Lisa Smith, Richard Oswald II, Damon Parmentor, Angela (Michael) Weaver, Owen Oswald, Scott (Tiffany) Millisor, Dennis Millisor, Kirk Millisor and Timothy Millisor; 8 great-grandchildren and special friend, Thora Boring.
Funeral services will be Friday, November 26, 2010 at 1:00 PM in the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home, Prospect with Pastor Steve Whittaker officiating. Military honors will provided by the Marion Area United Veterans Council. Friends may call 2 hours prior to the service, at the funeral home in Prospect, beginning at 11:00 AM. Private graveside services will be at a later date in the Radnor Cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be made to Marion General Hospice, 1000 McKinley Park Drive, Marion, OH 43302.
Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home