Arnold G. Wentz, age 76, of Country Club Road, Buckhannon, WV peacefully passed at home on June 3, 2013. He was born on December 9, 1936 in Harrison County, WV, a son of the late Curtis D. and Edrie Teter Wentz. He was preceded in death by his first wife Vera LouEllen Kasten Wentz and his brother Richard Curtis Wentz. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Thanna Haslebacher Smith Wentz, six children, Rob Smith and wife Debbie, Ricky A. Wentz and wife Kim, LouEllen Blake and husband Jim, Chuck Smith and wife Carol, Rebecca Hoover and husband Rodney and Scot Wentz and wife Lanora all of Buckhannon. He is survived by twelve grandchildren; Robbie Smith and wife Emily, Krenden Smith, Joshua Smith, Stacia Wentz, Jennifer Blake Smith and husband Jeff, Jamie Blake, Seth Blake, Charley Smith, Chris Smith, Travis Hoover, Becca Hoover and Camden Wentz; two great-grandsons, Andrew and Garret Smith. Also surviving are two sisters, Lemoyne Wentz of Palmyra, VA and Mabel Wentz Wright of Buckhannon. He was a 1955 graduate of Buckhannon Upshur High School. In 1965 he was honorably discharged from the United States Army having served both active duty and the reserves. Prior to enlisting in the army he worked for Monongalia Power Company. In 1992 he retired as maintenance supervisor with over 30 years of service from Corhart Refractories. He was a former member of the Tennerton Lions Club. He and Thanna were charter members of the Strawberry Pairs Square Dancers Club. Mr. Wentz attended several Promise Keepers Conferences including the Million Man Stand in The Gap Prayer Rally in Washington D.C. in 1997. He was a member of the Christian Fellowship Church where he volunteered to deliver for Meals on Wheels. He enjoyed hunting and was most proud of his bear kill this past fall. He always had a good hunting story and enjoyed teaching his grandchildren to hunt. Friends will be received Wednesday, June 5, 2013 from 3-8 PM at the Poling-st. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 11 AM at the funeral home with the Rev. J. Edward McDaniels officiating. Burial will follow in the Heavner Cemetery in Buckhannon. Buckhannon VFW Post # 3663, Frank B. Bartlett Post # 7, DAV Chapters # 5 & # 36 will conduct military honors at the graveside. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Christian Fellowship Church’s Relay For Life Team. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair .com. Poling-st. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
