Charles Albert Arnett, age 94, of North Platte, formerly of Hershey, NE, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family at Linden Court on Wednesday, April 13, 2016.
Charles was born in North Platte on April 8, 1922, to James Raymond and Elsie Pearl Watts Arnett. He grew up in Platte Valley, graduated Valedictorian from Platte Valley High School then attended Parks Business School in Denver, CO. Charles returned to Platte Valley where he began farming.
On September 12, 1942, Charles was united in marriage to Betty Catherine Diener at North Platte. They lived in Platte Valley before moving to a farm northwest of Hershey. Charles chose the farming profession his entire life, loved what he did, and was “outstanding in his field”.
Charles was an innovative, forward-thinking farmer and was one of the first to bring ridge till to the area. He partnered with George Olson and started a successful fertilizer plant in Ogallala. He was one of the first farmers to adopt the use of anhydrous ammonia in this area. Local farmers would solicit his advice and Charles was more than willing to help those who were interested in new ideas. Everyone always knew his word was good as gold.
In 1963 he was presented an award and membership to the 200 Bushel Club for outstanding agricultural achievement by producing a corn yield of 175.62 bushels from a measured acre. He was also a board member of the Platte Valley Irrigation District for many years.
Charles was active in the Hershey community, serving as a school board member for the Hershey School District for 16 years and was a charter member of the Hershey Lions Club. He was also a member and board member of the Hershey United Methodist Church where he was involved in the construction of the new church. Charles enjoyed eating and playing cards with his friends at the Hershey Senior Center and loved bowling and dancing with Betty, his wife of 73 years.
Charles leaves behind his wife, Betty, of North Platte; children, C. William ‘Bill’ (Donna) Arnett, of North Platte, Alan (Georgena) Arnett, of Loveland, CO, Robert ‘Bob’ (Kathy) Arnett, of Hershey and Ann (Jerry) Ollo, of Houston, TX; 9 grandchildren, Jon (Sherri) Arnett, of Bennington, NE, Jennifer (Chad) Monie, of North Platte, Christopher (Katey) Arnett, of Dallas, TX, Casey (Lindsay) Arnett, of Loveland, CO, Stephanie (Chad) Russell, of Gretna, NE, Bobbi (Cory) Rosenblad, of Elkhorn, NE, Rachel (Trampas) Belknap, of Hay Springs, NE, Carson (Carly) Arnett, of Hershey and Lauren Arnett, of Kearney, NE; 19 great-grandchildren, Jacob, Ryan, Samuel and Cade Arnett, Josh and Anna Monie, Sydney, Cole and Georgia Kate Arnett, Emma and Avery Arnett, Noah, Keanan, Owen, Liam and Evie Russell, Jace Rosenblad and Jaycek and Presley Belknap; his sisters, Mildred McTiernan, of Denver, CO, and Pat Colvin, of North Platte; as well as several nieces, nephews and other family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Elsie; brothers-in-law, Jim McTiernan, Ray Colvin, Harlan Diener and Richard Diener; sisters-in-law, Leola Diener and Virginia Diener; and nephews, Mickey Diener and Jim DeBell.
Memorial Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 23, 2016, at the Hershey United Methodist Church. Private family inurnment will be in the Riverside Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the Hershey United Methodist Church or Hershey Senior Center.