Arlis H. Loden Jr.

OTTAWA – Arlis H. Loden, Jr., age 63, of Ottawa, passed away Monday, April 13, 2015 at Morris Hospital.

Private family services will be held.  Gladfelter Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Arlis was born January 31, 1952 in Middlesboro, Kentucky, a son of Arlis H. and Oda Mae (Wilson) Loden.  He married Gertrude Ryan in 1973 in Middlesboro.  Arlis is survived by his former wife, Gertrude Taylor of Lakeland, Florida; his children, Tonya Loden of Ecru, Mississippi, Michelle (Joel) Harvey of Lakeland, Florida, Arlis (Crystal) Loden III of Mooreville, Mississippi, and Keri (Jody) Crittenden of Morristown, Tennessee.  He also leaves brothers, Roy Loden of Seneca and Ronnie Loden of Hodgkins; sisters, Donna (Kenneth) Loden Kolbusz of Mountain Home, Arkansas, Abbie (John) Hierz of Verona, and Debbie (David) Spencer of Lagrange; and seven grandchildren.  Arlis was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Daniel Keith Loden; brothers, Jimmy, Dougie and Okus Loden; and sisters, Carmella and Sandra Loden and Deloris Retel.

Arlis proudly served in the U.S. Army.  He was a member of the Praise Center Assembly of God in Ottawa.  Arlis was a very giving, humble man who never met a stranger.  He was very handy as a woodworker, being able to whittle as well as building furniture and cabinets.  In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing and visiting with his friends in coffee shops.