MELVERN — Dale E. “Sharky” Arb, 90, died Saturday, April 10, 2021, at his home in Melvern.
He was born Feb. 9, 1931, in Melvern, the son of Earl E. and Mary (Elliot) Arb.
Dale served in the United States Army from 1952-1955 during the Korean War. He was stationed in Alaska, where he was a motor pool mechanic and was honorably discharged earning the rank of Sergeant.
He worked as a crane operator for Santa Fe Railroad, Topeka, for over 42 years, retiring in 1997. Dale’s true passion was being a farmer and stockman. He was also known for his legendary garden, which he shared with many friends and family.
Dale was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Criqui July 26, 1952, in Texas. To this union, four children were born: Mike, Kenny, Linda and Bryon. Dale and Mary Ellen shared over 68 years of marriage before she passed away Jan. 8, 2021.
In addition to his wife, Dale was also preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers, Earl Dean, Orville, Eldon, Donald, Larry, Warren and Francis Arb; and two sisters, Bernice Hobert and Norma Patterson.
Dale is survived by his children, Mike Arb, Topeka, Kenny (Robyn) Arb, Melvern, Linda Brannen (Bert), Atlanta, Ga., and Bryon (Tina) Arb, Topeka; four sisters, Wilma Ambrose, Wichita, Delores Ambrose, Wichita, Barbara Ernzen, Leavenworth, and Shirley Twombly, St. Joseph, Mo.; five grandchildren, Sonya Ruiz, Toni Arb, Lana Shelton, Wayne Arb and Whitney Arb; and many great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, April 16, at the Melvern Cemetery. Dale will lie in state from 3 to 6 p.m., Thursday, April 15, at the Feltner Funeral Home in Lyndon, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 7 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dale E. Arb Memorial Fund and sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451. Condolences may be left for the family at FeltnerFuneralHome.com.
