Jessie Warden Arbogast, 99, passed away on Feb. 11, 2021. He was born on Dec. 12, 1921, in Circleville, the seventh child of the late Fannie Lillian Nicholas Arbogast and the Rev. P.W. Arbogast.
Jessie, a member of the “Greatest Generation,” was a proud veteran who served in the Fifth Marine Division during World War II and participated in the amphibious assault on Iwo Jima. While he was a generous man, he was always shopping for great bargains and knew where all the best deals were. No doubt, this was due to the austerity of his family situation during the Great Depression. He was a steadfast and loyal person, who was married for more than 74 years to his love, Virgie. After starting work for Ford Motor Company in 1954, Jessie never bought a car that was not a Ford product. He was also an idea person who won more than 50 awards from Ford for increasing efficiency and effectiveness in the workplace.
Jessie was a faithful member of Methodist churches for his entire life. He was a Mason and for many years attended both the Harold Summers and No. 4 AF & AM Lodges in Morgantown. He served as a member of numerous teams performing graveside ceremonies for his Masonic brothers. He took great pleasure in taking photos and always carried a camera with him to meetings in case someone needed a photo.
He is survived by his four children and spouses: his daughters, Jeanne Grimm and husband Harper G. Grimm Jr., of Morgantown, Judy Harris and husband David K. Harris, of Houston, and his sons, Robert W. Arbogast, of Mannington, and Richard L. Arbogast and wife Debra, of Bradenton, Fla. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Laura Harris, of San Diego, Geoffrey G. Grimm and wife Andrea, of Lexington, Ky., Jennifer Harris Ritson and husband Martin Ritson, of Houston, Sarah Grimm Harris, of San Diego, Matthew Harris, of Houston, Bryan Arbogast and wife Mary, of Brunswick, Ohio; Heather Arbogast, of San Diego, and Stacy Arbogast, of North Ridgeville, Ohio. He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren: Lauren and Piper Ritson, of Houston, Texas, Andrew, Noah Anthony and Jacob Grimm, of Lexington, Ky., Daniel Harris, of Houston, Jessica and Samantha Harris, of San Diego, Isabella Arbogast, of San Diego, and Leighton Arbogast, of North Ridgeville, Ohio; and three step-great-grandchildren, Michael Pizzola, Cassidi Paige and Bryant Winkle.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 74 years, Virgie Mae Horner Arbogast, in 2016; his youngest son, James David Arbogast, in 2003; and his great-grandson, Tyler Keenan Ritson, in 2002. Jessie was the last surviving member of his immediate family and was also preceded in death by his brother and spouse, William Merle and Evelyn Growall Arbogast; and his six sisters and spouses: Myrtle Burkhammer, Elizabeth and husband Charles Francis Burke, Ruth and husband John William Renshaw, Lucille and husband Paul Huff, Virginia and husband John Lopuch and Jessie’s youngest sister, Anna Lee and husband Hermit G. Floyd.
The Family would like to extend its grateful appreciation to Jessie’s aides who gave their love and care to him over the past five years: Pat Taylor, LPN, for her expertise and companionship, Natalie Moore for including Jessie as a member of her family, he loved her three children, and Donna Huey for fun
car trips, ice cream and
lollipops.
Arrangements are being made by McCulla Funeral Home. Private graveside services will be conducted by the Rev. Stoney Cottrell of the Christian Life Center at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 15. Interment will take place in East Oak Cemetery, Morgantown, with military honors and a Masonic service. A Celebration of Life will be held in the future.
Condolences:
www.McCulla.com
