Arthur Eddy

EDDY, Arthur Elwood, former owner and president of the Eddy Insurance Agency, died in the Hospice Unit of the VA Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio Friday, February 22, 2008 of natural causes. Art was born February, 15th 1925, at home, a late Valentine present to his mother and father, Treva and Clarence Eddy, in Osborn, Ohio. He was the youngest of 5 children. Art spent his early life in Osborn and later the family moved to Columbus, Ohio where he graduated from Columbus East High School in 1943. Upon graduation Art joined the United States Marine Corps where he fought courageously and was wounded twice at the Battle of Iwo Jima. In the last days of the 35 day battle, Art was near fatally wounded and was eventually evacuated to the Philadelphia Naval Hospital where he spent nine months recuperating from his wounds. In Philadelphia, Art met Catherine Ann (Bunny) Bowling and the two fell in love and were united in marriage February 19, 1947. The couple decided to make their home in Dayton, Ohio. Art attended Insurance school and after a brief time working in a large agency, decided to establish his own insurance agency. Art was fiercely independent and industrious. He was always proud that he made his living as an independent agent and supplemented his income by acquiring rental property and even for a period working as a Pinkerton Guard at Monach Marking, Inc. Art and Bunny devoted the majority of their lives and energy to raising their three children, Craig, Dean and Barbara. Art was a very spiritual man who felt that, after surviving Iwo Jima, each and every day he had on earth was a gift from God. In times of adversity, Art was fond of saying that he had a partner in life, God, and that Art did his half and God did the rest. Art and Bunny were members of First Lutheran Church where Art served on many committees, taught Sunday School Classes and represented the church at the Ohio Synod. Art's wife Bunny passed away March 9, 1989 and Art was blessed by remarrying the second love of his life Joyce Grieshop on October 7, 1989. Art and Joyce had a wonderful life together traveling, enjoying children, grandchildren and great grandchildren until Art developed Alzheimer's disease in 1999. After Art became ill, Joyce a registered nurse devoted her time to lovingly caring for Art the rest of his natural life. Art is preceded in death by his parents, his twin who died at birth, his sister Alma and his brother Bob. He is survived by his wife Joyce, his brother Charles in Texas, his sister Jane in North Carolina, his sons Craig and Dean, his daughter Barbara, his stepsons David, James and Joseph, seven grandchildren, eight step grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren, and his two "adopted" granddaughters Jill and Joy. His love, gentleness and wonderful sense of humor will be missed greatly by all. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at Newcomer Funeral Home South Chapel, at 3940 Kettering Blvd with a viewing at 1:00 PM followed by services at 2:00 PM. The Reverend Russell Morgan will officiate. Entombment will be at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens immediately following the services in the Veteran's section with full military honors. The family would like to thank Elizabeth Stack Hall and all the personnel at the VA Medical Center for lovingly providing care for Art in the last two years of his life.