OAKWOOD: Hulet “Bill” Arms, age 82 died Saturday, January 12, 2013 after a long battle with Silicosis of the lungs, in the Laurels of Defiance, Defiance, Ohio.
He was born October 23, 1930 in Bucu (Dickenson County), VA, in a W. M. Ritter Lumber Camp, the son of John T. and Bonnie (Lester) Arms. He was raised in Buchanan County, VA. On August 30, 1963 he married Linda R. Richards, who survives. He started his working career in the late 1940s as a trucker in the Southwest Virginia logging industry. He served four years (1950 to 1954) in the U. S. Air Force, spending three years of his tour in Germany. In 1955 he moved to Mt. Vernon, Ohio. There he gained employment at the Mt. Vernon Bridge Works and the Cooper-Bessemer Foundry. In 1971 he relocated his family to NW Ohio and started his employment at GM Central Foundry/Powertrain in Defiance, Ohio and retired with 25 years of service there in 1996. He was a proud member of UAW #211; life member of D.A.V. #54 Van Wert,
Ohio; life member of V.F.W. #4027 Mt. Vernon, Ohio; F. & A. M. Mt. Zion Masonic Lodge No. 0009, Mt. Vernon, OH; and the International Blue Grass Music Museum, Owensboro, KY.
Bill loved to tell of his experience while serving his military tour in Europe of meeting John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara in Dublin, Ireland. The two actors were filming his favorite movie “The Quiet Man”. He was a passionate, lifelong fan of Bluegrass Music, especially Bill Monroe and Jimmy Martin. He enjoyed traveling to various festivals and shows with his wife to see their son perform with Rick Prater & The Midnight Travelers and also the music their son participated in at the Famous Old Time Music Company in Wapakoneta, OH.. He was a fan of NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt. One of Bill’s favorite pastimes was visiting his extended family and staying in touch by phone.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Linda R. Arms, Oakwood; cherished son, John E. Arms, Oakwood; a brother, John D. (Linda N.) Arms, Oakwood; a sister, Ruby (Ronald-deceased) Jenkins, Mt. Vernon, Ohio; six nieces, three nephews, a great-nephew, seven great-nieces; a longtime friend, Wayne (Nellie) Tusing, Harrisonburg, Virginia; and many true friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, Cathleen M.; grandparents; numerous aunts and uncles and many cousins.
He was a kind and affectionate husband, a fond father and friend to all.
There will be a public memorial service at a later date.
Burial will be at a later date.
The family will accept donations which will later be distributed to various worthy charities and organizations.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com
Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding is handling arrangements.
