Walter Ray Arnold, 95, Longtime Lucasville Resident, Passes Away

Arnold was a Korean War veteran, former fire department chief, and longtime member of Howard Christian Community Church.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Walter Ray Arnold, a 95-year-old former Lucasville resident, passed away on February 11, 2026 at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth, Ohio. Arnold was a Korean War veteran, worked at the former Atomic Plant in Piketon, and was a longtime member of the Lucasville Masonic Lodge, Boy Scouts, and local fire departments, where he served as chief. He was also a member of Howard Christian Community Church, where he previously served as a pastor.

Why it matters

Arnold's passing marks the end of an era for the Lucasville community, where he was deeply involved in civic and community organizations for decades. His military service, work at the Atomic Plant, and leadership roles in the fire department and church highlight his lifelong commitment to public service.

The details

Walter Ray Arnold was born on June 2, 1930 in Portsmouth, Ohio. He graduated from Clay High School in 1947 and served in the US Army during the Korean War. After the war, Arnold worked as the instrument maintenance head at the former Atomic Plant in Piketon. He was a longtime member of the Lucasville Masonic Lodge, served as a Boy Scout leader, and was a member of both the Rubyville Fire Department and Morgan Township Fire Department, where he previously served as chief. Arnold was also a member of Howard Christian Community Church and had served as a pastor there.

  • Walter Ray Arnold passed away on February 11, 2026 at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth, Ohio.
  • Arnold was born on June 2, 1930 in Portsmouth, Ohio.
  • Arnold graduated from Clay High School in 1947.
  • Arnold served in the US Army during the Korean War.
  • Arnold's funeral services will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Walter Ray Arnold

A 95-year-old former Lucasville resident who passed away on February 11, 2026. Arnold was a Korean War veteran, worked at the former Atomic Plant in Piketon, and was deeply involved in the Lucasville community as a member of the Masonic Lodge, Boy Scouts, local fire departments, and Howard Christian Community Church.

Alice Jean Arnold

Walter Ray Arnold's wife, who passed away on May 12, 2010.

Tim Arnold

Walter Ray Arnold's son.

Beverly Eichenlaub

Walter Ray Arnold's daughter.

Lori Kreckow

Walter Ray Arnold's daughter.

Kathi Jo McAlister

Walter Ray Arnold's daughter.

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What they’re saying

“Walter was a member for many years of the Lucasville Masonic Lodge, a former Boy Scout leader, and member of both Rubyville Fire Department and Morgan Township Fire Department, where he was a former chief.”

— Unspecified (thesciotovoice.com)

“He was a member of Howard Christian Community Church, where he was a former pastor.”

— Unspecified (thesciotovoice.com)

The takeaway

Walter Ray Arnold's passing marks the end of an era for the Lucasville community, where he dedicated decades of his life to public service through his military service, work at the Atomic Plant, leadership roles in local organizations, and service as a pastor. His lifelong commitment to his community is a testament to the values of civic engagement and community-building.