Wilford "Willie" Lawrence Arndt

Funeral services for Wilford “Willie” Arndt will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Marshall Funeral Chapel in Alva with Rev. Mike Bartley officiating. Burial will follow in the Waynoka Municipal Cemetery under the direction of Marshall Funeral Home. Wilford Lawrence, son of the late Lawrence Perry and Zelma Leatha (Arb) Arndt, was born September 16, 1932, at White Horse, Oklahoma, and passed away peacefully surrounded by family November 26, 2024, at Alva at the age of 92 years, 2 months, and 10 days. Willie was raised in the Farry area where he attended school. In 1952, he was united in marriage to Lucy Neuenschwander and together they had nine children. On September 16, 1978, he was united in marriage to Mary Alice Passwaters and he gained two more children. They made their home in Alva before moving to Waynoka in 1981. He was a member of the Church of God in Waynoka for many years. Willie spent his younger years on harvest with his father in the Dakota’s. He enjoyed the farm and raising calves and was a master at fixing things and working on motors. If he couldn’t find the right tool to fix something, he would make one. He managed the Dr. Pepper Bottling Company and worked at the Roller Mill before working in the oilfield until his retirement in 1987 as a pumper/ driller/ tool pusher. Besides his parents, Lawrence and Zelma, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Darrell Arndt, Neal Arndt, Lowell Arndt, and Lyle Arndt; one sister, Charleen Herren; his son, Joel Bixler; and three grandchildren, Chesney Starks, Elizabeth Utterback, and Jason Utterback. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Alice, of Waynoka; his children, Zeona McKinley of Alva, Newanta Kilmer and husband, George, of Alva, Wynona Knopp and husband, Richard, of Okarche, Lynn Arndt of Alva, Carla Smart of Alva, Darla Harris and husband, Mark, of Enid, Diana Arndt of Alva, Dana Kirkpatrick of Enid, and Jaunita Dotson of Alva; brothers, Larry Arndt and wife, Sandie, and Gary Arndt and wife, Linda, all of Colorado: sisters, Glenda Yarberry of Oklahoma City, Juanita Neuenschwander of Ponca City, and Nadine Painton of Fairview. Also surviving are twenty grandchildren, thirty-six great grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren; many other relatives and friends. Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to Freedom Gates Boys Ranch.

Wilford "Willie" Lawrence Arndt

September 16, 1932 - November 26, 2024