William Arnett

William “Bill” Arnett of Winona Lake, Indiana passed away at 6:35 p.m. on Friday, August 6, 2021 at Kosciusko Community Hospital of Warsaw, Indiana at the age of 82. 

He was born on March 10, 1939 in Goodloe, Kentucky in Floyd County one of seven children born to Nancy (England) Arnett and Lee Arnett.  Bill gained a lifetime of love with his daughter and son.  

Bill grew up in Kentucky and moved to Kosciusko County, Indiana when he was 15 years old.  He cared for his disabled mother until the age of 22 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army on February 7, 1962.   He was stationed oversees and proudly served until his honorable discharge on January 12, 1964.  

Upon his return home from service, Bill worked as a machinist for White Metal, for many years he worked for Big Boy Products until they closed and he retired from C.C.I. Manufacturing in Warsaw.  He was a man who knew the value of good hard day’s work and providing for his family. 

Bill enjoyed the simple things in life…spending time with family, a good meal, watching old John Wayne westerns and James Dean movies and supporting veterans.  Most of all he LOVED being a grandfather, his three grandsons meant the world to him!  Bill enjoyed having his grandsons over for movie night, sleepovers, and donuts in the morning.  In his youth William loved to play the guitar and enjoyed it even more when he was able to teach his grandson Logan how to play.  He bonded with his grandson Griffin through their shared military service and he loved his porch time visits and chats with his oldest grandson, Jacob.  Bill will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather and will be dearly missed by all. 

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter:  Tammy (Cliff) Smith (Warsaw, Indiana); son:  Matt (Angie) Arnett (Warsaw, Indiana); and his three grandchildren:  Jacob and Logan Vetor; and Griffin Arnett. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers:  Corbin, Joe and Oliver Arnett and three sisters:  Nora Slone, Grace Bays and Leora Bradley.           

Bill’s life will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana and officiated by Pastor Glen Hughes.  Friends and family may visit prior to the service from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.  A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw, Indiana.  

Memorial donations may be directed to Grace Village Retirement Community, 337 Grace Village Drive, Winona Lake, Indiana  46590.

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