Arnold John Wichita

Arnold John – 90. Born September 3, 1927, in Omaha, Nebraska, and passed away December 26, 2017. His beautiful wife, Mary Lib Wichita, preceded him in death. His parents, Arnold, Sr, and Mary, raised 7 children, Walter, Frank, Marie, Arnold, Agnes, James and Jerry. At the age of 17, he decided it was time to leave Omaha and join the war effort. He was too young to join the army, but he was just the right age to join the Merchant Marines. He served during World War II and continued after the war ended. During the Korean War, he served in the Navy from 1953 to 1955. Arnold has worked tirelessly on behalf of Merchant Mariners to be recognized as veterans for their service during the war. He served as President of the National Merchant Marine Veterans Association for 4 years to push the Just Compensation Act H.R 563 through Congress– Honoring WW II Merchant Mariners…where it still awaits approval. Arnold John Wichita married the love of his life, Mary Lib Stavinoha on May 2, 1953. They had five beautiful daughters. He is survived by his 5 children Terri Wichita and husband Dr. Tony Arangio Ph.D. of Arlington; Nisey Erskine and Richard of Flower Mound; Rosemary Buchwald and husband Dr. Max of Plano; Donna Brantner and husband Dan of Plano; Dana Griffin and husband Joe of McKinney; grandchildren John Erskine and wife Iza; Erin Erskine; Blair Burnette; Dr. Max Buchwald Jr.; Riley David; Matt Brantner and wife Morgan; great grandchildren Cooper Erskine, Paisley Erskine, Maverick Erskine; Elise Brantner; Lindley Burnette and Ellison Burnette; sister Agnes Stark of Bellevue, NE; sister-in-law Alice Wichita of Omaha, NE; countless nieces and nephews he adored. Arnold and his family came to appreciate and love his caregiver, Monica Williams. She became, along with her 5 children like another branch of the family. Sydney, Alexis, Regan, Morgan and Wyatt, brought lots of laughter into Pop’s life. We are forever grateful for their love and kindness. A rosary will be recited on Thursday January 11 at 6:30 p.m. and a memorial mass will be said Saturday, January 13 at 10 a.m. Both will be held at St. Paul the Apostle, 720 Floyd Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080.