Arnold B. Hargis, 98, of Rockport, passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at The Waters of Rockport.
He was born July 11, 1926, at the family home, to Clayton and Mabel Hargis.
He graduated in 1944 from Rockport High School and attended college at Purdue, where he determined he was not cut out to be an engineer. He was a WWII veteran, serving with A Co. 54th Infantry Training Battalion in Germany during the reconstruction. After serving, he returned to college, receiving his accounting degree from the University of Evansville. Arnold was employed by the State Board of Accounts as an auditor for over 30 years. He drove all over Indiana for his job, could tell you all about the history of the small towns, and he could get anywhere he wanted without a map.
After retirement, golf was his passion. We are sure that his regular foursome was waiting on him, telling him to hurry so they could make their tee time. He played his last game at the age of 91. The only thing that would come before golf was his family. He was there to lend a shoulder, lend some money, shake some sense into us, and laugh. He so loved to chuckle.
He was a life-long member and former treasurer of Lakewood Country Club and a member of the American Legion’s color guard. It was so important to him to attend every funeral for a veteran to present their family with a flag.
He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, James Hargis in 1962, and his wife of 41 years, Jeanne Hargis, in 2003.
Arnold is survived by his three daughters, Linda Hatton (Bill) of Winchester, KY, Donna Gann of Evansville, and Karen Thomas (Mike) of Owensboro, KY; seven grandchildren, Barbara Dale (Jason), Heather Crowe (Dallis), Holly Kasselman, Heath Seaton (Kelli), Seth Seaton (Jackie), Cody Thomas and Brody Thomas (Anne-Courtney); seven great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, with another due in January.
His grandson said, “He made it to 98 and won the game of life. I can’t imagine the things he has seen and the changes in this world he has endured, living through the Depression and serving in WWII”. He was part of the Greatest Generation.
Visitation will be at Boultinghouse Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 26, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., with graveside services following at Sunset Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to PAAWS, PO Box 115, Newburgh, IN 47629, in memory of Arnold and Bentley.
His family wishes to thank all the staff at The Waters of Rockport for the excellent care they provided the encouragement when he needed that extra push, the comfort when he was having a bad day, and the gentle care they gave as his life came to a close. Thank you for loving our dad.
Friends may send a condolence to the family at www.BoultinghouseFuneralHome.com.
