Lt. Col. Charles Perry Arnold, Jr. USAF(Ret.) - Obituary

r. Charles Perry Arnol Jr. Charles "Charlie" P. Arnold, Jr., a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, peacefully entered eternal rest on Monday, October 10, 2022, at his home in Upper Marlboro, Md. Charles was born on March 10, 1940, in Akron, Ohio, to the late Mildred Mains and Charles P. Arnold, Sr. Charlie spent his childhood in Akron, Ohio, where he earned his B.S. degree from Akron University and was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. He was a gifted musician playing the trumpet and swam competitively. In December 1963, he married the love of his life, Elaine Schuster. The two spent 59 years together and raised four children. Charlie served his country by joining the United States Air Force in 1963, where he began his career as a meteorologist. While in the Air Force, he attended Texas A.M., and Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a Master's degree. Charlie furthered his education by attending Colorado State, University, where he received a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science. During his time in the military, Charlie had assignments in Texas, Kansas, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Guam, Colorado, Nebraska, California, and Maryland. Charlie spent his military career teaching, researching, and specializing in remote atmospheric sensing. Upon retiring from the Air Force, he worked as a consultant with local space companies in Maryland until 1998. After retirement, he devoted his time and talents to his true passions; studying Theology, writing, conducting genealogical research, and teaching Bible classes. His fervent work resulted in the publication of four books. Charlie enjoyed simple pleasures in life and found immense joy in feeding, watching, and tracking birds as they flocked to his feeders. Charlie found beauty in music, appreciated nature, and enjoyed engaging in deep conversation. He was a strong man of faith, loved God, and was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church. Charlie's faith was essential to his life, and his legacy will live on in his family. He is survived by his wife Elaine, step-brother Edward Mains and wife Pam. He is mourned by his children Amy E. Mensing and her husband Michael; Bethany A. Dewey and her husband Bryan; his two sons; Charles P. Arnold lll, and Michael W. Arnold; four grandchildren; Ryan Mensing, Katy Dolinar, Rachel Mensing, and Jacob Dewey. Charlie has three adored great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who are grateful for his presence in their lives. Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 10 a.m. until the start of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Divine Peace Lutheran Church, 1500 Brown Station Road, Largo, MD 20774. Interment with Military Honors will be held at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD, 20623 at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to send memorial contributions in Charlie's memory, please consider either Community Support Systems, Inc., PO Box 206, Brandywine, MD 20613 or to the St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School, 25 Navarre Blvd W, Thoreau, NM 87323 or online CLICK HERE