Daniel L. Arnett, age 85 of Lima, died March 27, 2021 at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima, Ohio.

He was born June 1, 1935 in Darke County, Ohio to John B. and Mary Ellen Anderson Arnett, who preceded him in death. On February 18, 1955 he married Barbara J. Hinton, who survives, in Lima.

Mr. Arnett was a 1953 graduate of Lima South High School, attended Ohio Northern University, and graduated from The University of New York with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was an Army National Guard veteran serving for 33 years from 1956 to 1989 and retired as a Field Artillery Colonel. He worked a second full-time job and retired from Westinghouse/Sundstrand as a program manager in 1994 with 38 years of service.

An avid golfer he won many Lima City Senior and Bluffton Golf Club tournaments. He had 3 holes in one. He was very proud that he had won the local caddy tournament at Shawnee Country Club in 1950 and 1951 and went on to play in the national caddy tournament at The Ohio State University Scarlet Course in Columbus, Ohio both years. He lettered in Golf while at Ohio Northern. He was a board member and past president of the Lima/Allen County Golf Hall of Fame of which he was a founder in 2000 and was inducted into the hall of fame in 2003.

A born-again Christian, he was a member of the Lima First Missionary Church and served on the leadership team for many years. He was a board member of the Westinghouse/Sundstrand Veterans Association. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and also an endowment member. A board member and past president of the 37th Division Veterans Association, he was also commandant of the Ohio Military Academy and inducted into the Ohio Military Academy Hall of Fame, Ohio National Guard in 1989. He was a life member of the Ohio National Guard Association and the National Guard Association of the United States. He was also a life member of the “N” men’s club at Ohio Northern University. He worked hard and appreciated that characteristic in others, no matter their station in life.

Quick to tell a story about his grandchildren or share the newest pictures, he was a man who loved his family. Frequently his pride would show in his remarks about his grandchildren, both in their accomplishments as well as relationships with God. He loved seeing a full table sitting for a meal and laughed as the children, when younger, seemed to wear as much of the food as they ate. In retirement he could frequently be found in the company of his son and regularly managed to turn errands into opportunities to meet new people.

In addition to his devoted wife Barbara, he is survived by his brothers Charles “Shot” (Ploma) Arnett and Jack (Diane) Arnett, children Linda (Bill) LaFollette, Daniel (Sarah) Arnett and Sharon (Mark) Jackson. Grandchildren Nathan LaFollette, Katie Jackson, and Emily (Mathieu) Rich along with great granddaughters Zoey and Alexa Rich. He was predeceased by his siblings Dick Arnett, Paul Arnett, Pauline Arnett and granddaughter Kristen Jackson.

Masks are required for the visitation and funeral service and social distancing will be observed. His visitation will be on Friday, April 2, 2021 from 6-8 p.m. at the Shawnee Chapel of Chiles-Laman Funeral Home. His funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Lima First Missionary Church, 1105 W. Robb, Lima with Rev. Dr. Timothy White officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery with military rites performed by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and V.F.W. Post 1275.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider the Lima First Missionary Church or the 37th Division Veterans Association.