Willis Newell Arb

Willis Newell Arb, Emporia, Kansas, died August 16, 2024 at Newman Regional Health. He was 94 years old.

Willis was born on March 17, 1930, in Neosho Rapids, Kansas, the son of Louis and Leah (Danford) Arb. He married Ethel Eccles on November 15, 1952, in Emporia. She died in 2009 in Topeka, Kansas.

Survivors include sons Marlin Dean Arb, Emporia, KS; Ivan Ray (Donna) Arb, Topeka, KS; daughters Cynthia (George) York, Lenexa, KS; Ulaine (Joseph) Rhine, Americus, KS; Kathy (Virgil) Countryman, Emporia, KS; brothers Dennis (Cheryl) Arb, Emporia, KS; Gilbert Arb, Johnstown, CO; grandchildren Carey Baldridge, Coralie Owens, Jeremy Cooper, Crystal Cole, Linda Baldwin, Andrew Rhine, Priscilla Alexander, Bryant Rhine, Zachariah Countryman, Nathanael Countryman; great-grandchildren Taylor Cooper, Camara Shireman, Elizabeth Sullivan, Corbin Cooper, Laney Cooper, Joann Baldwin; and one great-great-grandchild Persephone Austin.

He is preceded in death by his brothers Gordon Arb, Raymond Arb, Melvin Arb, sisters Dixie Baysinger and Phyllis Lanier, his wife Ethel, and his parents.

Willis was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Emporia. He also loved gardening, spending time outside, and being a farmer.

Memorial contributions can be made to Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas, 66801.

Cremation is planned. Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 631 E. Logan Avenue, Emporia, Kansas, 66801. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. the morning of the service at Kingdom Hall. Private family burial will take place later at Lincoln Cemetery, Lebo, Kansas.