Our beloved father and husband, Paul William Arnett (Col, USAF ret.), peacefully passed away at home into the Loving arms of his Savior on May 18, 2024, at the age of 81. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Janet (Raeske) Arnett of Bristow, VA, son Paul (Amy) of Annandale, VA, son Jason (Katie) of Bristow, VA, sister Laura (Arnett) Fricker of Lebanon, KS, brother Robert Arnett of Huntsville, AL, and one granddaughter, Abbey Arnett of Annandale, VA. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. William Arnett and Ruth Priscilla (Little) Arnett, and a brother David Arnett of Wilmore, KY.
Paul was born in Lexington, KY on February 4, 1943, graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1967, and was commissioned in the United States Air Force. It was during his Aircraft Maintenance Officer’s course at Chanute AFB, IL where he met Janet, who was attending Nursing School at Burnham City Hospital in Champaign, IL. They married on March 28, 1970, after Paul’s return to the US from his 1.5 year commitment in Vietnam.
While in the military, Paul and Janet lived in Illinois, Kentucky, Virginia, and California, serving at multiple Air Force Bases and the Pentagon. His last duty station was at McClellan AFB in CA in 1997. Paul received numerous military decorations for his significant service and valor including the Bronze Star and Air Force Commendation medals. Paul was so very thankful for his entire appointed Military career, that he wanted to return his gratitude and signed up to teach ROTC at Herbert Hoover High School in WV for 2 years (1997-1999). Once he returned home to Burke, VA (1999), Paul then procured a position as a Fairfax County Magistrate for which he was employed from 2000 to 2008. During his many travels and duty stations, he made many life-long friends. Paul was a gentle, humble man who enjoyed life and family and always had a positive view of life.
Paul loved the great outdoors and talking to people about their adventures. He loved the sunrise and greeted it on the deck of his Colorado mountain home with a morning cup of coffee and a donut! He enjoyed reading, hiking, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, walking, mountain climbing, his Kentucky Wildcats basketball team, and donuts! He loved his Lord and Savior and attended Bible Study Fellowship for many years. One of his favorite Bible verses was Psalms 121:1-2 “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord. Which made heaven and earth..”
God saw him getting tired, a cure not meant to be, so HE put his arms around him, and whispered….
“Come with ME”
A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at Demaine Funeral Home, 10565 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22030 on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 1-4 pm. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery once a date has been finalized.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association.
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