John Henry Arnold

John Henry Arnold born October 17, 1927, went to be with the Lord on August 6, 2022. John was born in Mountain City, TN (Swift Hollow). He joined the Marine Corp in 1948. John's training was in Parris Island SC, Camp Pendleton California, and Camp Lejeune NC. His specialty training was to be a Wireman and he was assigned to serve with the artillery regiment 2nd Signal Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. In June of 1950, his original three-year enlistment was extended by the government so he could be activated for the war in Korea. He participated in the Inchon Landing, the Chosin Campaign, and many other engagements. John served as a wireman, with 80 men under his command, setting up and repairing communications between his regiment and the command center. During John's enlisted time, he rose from Private to Staff Sergeant before being Honorably Discharged in May of 1952, having attained the Presidential Unit Citation, the Korean Service Medal, and a Letter of Commendation, among other honors. He remained in the Marine Reserves for several years, rising to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant when he was Honorably Discharged a second time in August of 1961. In 1952, John married his sweetheart, Lois McKinney and moved to Delaware where he raised his family. While in Delaware, John worked for General Motors, Bell Atlantic, and Nationwide Insurance. John later served in the House of Representatives for the United States Government. John represented the State of Delaware from 1972 through 1978, serving under President Richard Nixon, President Gerald Ford and President Jimmy Carter. John then earned a seat in the Senate and served under President Jimmy Carter as well as President Ronald Reagan from 1978 until 1986. John Arnold believed in building bonds rather than bridges in his community. John's efforts focused on public safety, civil protection, and access to better quality education. During John's time in the Senate, he worked on many Bills that aligned with his core values. One Bill John helped pass was intended to help strengthen the right of a citizen to defend his/her property against felonies or someone attempting to commit a felony. A major premise of this Act was that the person protecting his/her home or property should not be subject to greater punishment than someone who knowingly attempts to commit crime against him/her property. He believed each person should have the right to protect their property without retribution from those who committed the crime. Going even further, John went on to work on a ‘Good Samaritan Bill' intended to exempt persons from civil liability upon their intervention to prevent crime violence from immediately taking place. He strongly believed that honest citizen involvement in the interest of crime prevention should be encouraged. John promoted the phrase "Adoption of a national strategy of peace through strength." He believed we are stronger together. John also helped pass a Bill that would create a "Clearing House" for Missing Children. This would serve as a central repository of information for Missing Children. In addition to that, he also worked on a Bill to make it possible for children living in lower income areas to attend better quality schools -"Desegregation". After John's first wife (Lois) passed away, he married Karen Arnold in 1999. He moved back to Mountain City when he retired in 2000 with his wife, Karen, to be surrounded by the mountains of TN. John and Karen were married for almost 23 years. John was a faithful Christian. He helped establish The Appalachian Church of Christ in Mountain City. John's Christian faith was centered around community outreach by helping others and teaching the Word of God. Through his Christian walk he led many people to Christ. John was thrilled to return to his roots in Mountain City. He enjoyed being an active member of the community. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Honor Guard, the Korean War Vets, NRA, and the Republican Party. John was full of life. He loved the Lord, his family, his pets, Bluegrass music, gardening, cutting wood, and riding his tractors. John also loved caring for children in need. He and Lois owned and operated a daycare for many years, in Delaware, until Lois became ill. John loved playing chess, card games, and music. He had a band in his early years, growing up in Mountain City (John Henry and The Ridge Runners). John played guitar and banjo. John was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elizabeth Arnold, Lois McKinney (John's first wife), 13 siblings as well as son-in-law Craig Lackford, and son-in-law Shannon Schuhart. He is survived by his wife, Karen Arnold of Butler, TN; children Linda (Robert) Crusco, Sharon (Greg) McCubbin, Donna (Jamie) Jones, Brenda (Ken) Veale, Nancy Lackford (Mike Anderson), Janet Schuhart, and stepdaughter, Desiree (Billy) Gambill; 14 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Special Mentions: Ralph Hutto (John's Best Friend and Fellow Marine) who loved to talk and walk "Marine" with John ~ Oorah!! Jerry Arnold (John's nephew) who provided an abundance of medical knowledge and offered support when John became ill. The VA Support Team (Gary Dula, NP, Brad, RN, Michael, OT, Kristine, Nutritionist, Becky Parks Biggs, Caregiver Coordinator, and other wonderful staff at the VA) as well as Caris Care Hospice Staff. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, August 12, 2022, at Trinity Memorial Center at 1221 Stewball Circle in Kingsport, TN 37660. Honorary Pallbearers - John's grandsons In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in John's honor to: The Delaware Valley Christian Camp "Camp Manatawny" at 33 Camp Rd. Douglassville, PA 19518. Business Office: (610) 707-3822/Summer Office: (610) 707-2267 Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-81770 is honored to serve the Arnold family.