John ‘Mutt’ Arbogast, 78, a resident of the Crystal Springs Community, Elkins, went to the “Happy Hunting Ground” in the sky on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 to be with the Lord and his family. He was born Saturday, February 4, 1934 in Glady, a son of the late Sam Arbogast and Pearl Bowers Arbogast. Mutt was the beloved husband of Carolyn DeLauder Arbogast, who resides in the Crystal Springs Community. They were married on June 9, 1956 by Reverend H.L. Koontz. They had celebrated fifty-six years of marriage. Also surviving are four children: Diana Lynn Daft and husband Jake of Beverly, Jonnie Sue Simmons and husband Eddie of Wendell, NC, Anita Kay White and husband Herschel of Elkins and Michael Sam Arbogast and wife Amanda of Elkins, four grandchildren: Heather Lynn Bennett and husband Chad of Beverly, Dustin Karl Simmons and wife Jessica of Wilmington, DE, Whitney Lynn Daft of Beverly and Jaran John Brady of Elkins, two great grandchildren: Grant and Alexus Bennett of Beverly, six brothers: Ira Sam of Ohio, Jerry J. of Tunnelton, Robert of Ohio, Claude of Tennessee, David of Texas and Dale of Elkins, three sisters: Lois Ann Hoover and husband Carson of Ohio, Amenthia, widow of Max Currence of Elkins, Mary, widow of Howard Luzader of Florida, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers: Allan, Don Lee and infant James Lewis, and six sisters: Alline Arbogast, Maxine Wilcox, Betty Webley, Charlotte Arbogast, Loretta Arbogast and Juliet Price. Mutt attended the schools of Elkins and spent thirteen years in the military. He first joined the US Marine Corp in April of 1952, entering boot camp at Paris Island, SC, then on to Camp Pendleton, CA for advanced training. Afterwards, he was sent to Korea in September of 1952 and was there for thirteen months as a forward observer for an artillery battalion. He returned to Camp LeJune, NC and received an Honorable Discharge in May of 1955. He received the Korean Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and Korean Presidential Unit Citation. In April of 1958 he joined the US Navy and served aboard the USS Surabachi, an ammo ship and the USS Vulcan, a repair ship stationed in Norfolk, VA. He then transferred to Belle Chase Naval Air Station near New Orleans, LA for shore duty for six years. He served as Base Security/shore Patrol and as a Senior Drill Instructor. He was Honorably Discharged in May of 1968 as a First Class Boatswain Mate. Mutt received three Good Conduct Medals and the National Defense Medal. While living in Elkins, Mutt was employed by the Randolph County Emergency Squad in 1969, serving as first Supervisor. He was a Certified EMT and a Red Cross First Aid Instructor. He taught many classes in Randolph County. While serving as the Emergency Squad Supervisor, he was elected as “Boss of the Year” by the Jaycees Organization. In July of 1978 he was employed by the Western Maryland Railroad, working for the Track Department. He retired from the CSX Railroad in 1996. Mutt was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved being with his family and was always ready to help a friend or family member. He enjoyed the outdoors, riding his four wheeler and loved to hunt. Mutt’s request for cremation was honored. A graveside service will be held at a later date for family and friends at Little Arlington Cemetery in Elkins. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of John ‘Mutt’ Arbogast to the Hospice Care Corporation 169 Diamond Street Elkins, WV 26241 The Randolph Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements for John ‘Mutt’ Arbogast.
