Obituary: Darold LeRoy Arrington, 90, Parkdale — Columbia Community Connection News Mid-Columbia Region

Darold LeRoy Arrington came into this world on June 7, 1934 in Medford, Oregon. He was an only child to his parents Lloyd W Arrington and Bertha C. Whiteley Arrington.

In his early years, his father worked in logging camps around Oregon, but when it came time to settle down and go to school, Darold’s father cleared a place in Canby, Oregon and built a home with no indoor plumbing, but it had a well with an indoor pump. Over the years the family moved to Yreka, Portland and then to Jacksonville to be near family. Darold’s father passed away when Darold was only 15, and he and his mother moved to Portland before eventually settling in Long Beach, California.

In 1957 Darold was drafted into the US Army where he served honorably for three years. When he got out of the Army, he went to work for North America Aviation & Autonetics in Santa Ana, California. There he met Jenna Lee Coady on a blind date, and they were married on September 23, 1961. They moved to Orange, California and had five children.

In 1970, Darold moved his family to Roseburg, Oregon for a short time before settling in Parkdale, Oregon in 1971 where he resided for 52 years. Over the years, Darold showed his handy side by his ability to fix anything from plumbing, electronics, and mechanics while he worked for Ted Hackett’s TV and repair, Paul Henny as well as Paddock’s fixing CB radios. In 1979 he was hired on at The United Telephone Company as a Central Office Technician until he retired in 1999. Darold was a hard worker and made sure Jenna Lee was able to maintain her dream of keeping horses and a small farm. He was always bucking hay even though he had hay fever.

Throughout his life, Darold played the guitar and sang for the community and his church. Those who knew him will tell you that his voice rang out with a beautiful clarity. He even continued to sing for residents and staff at Brookside during his last year there. We will miss that voice very much.

Darold was adventurous, and he traveled the world with Jenna Lee by his side. They visited Hawaii, The Caribbean, Bahamas, Cook Islands, Fiji, Alaska, Canada, and took a three-month trip to Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania as well as a total of 6 months across the United States!

Darold was wonderful husband and father as well as a faithful man, serving his church as a Deacon, teacher and singer.

Darold is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jenna Lee Arrington; His children Bryon (Dixie); Bruce (Hope); Brad; Julie (Tony) Clark; and Justine (John) Andersen. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 6 great -grandchildren.

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1

A memorial service for Darold will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Faith Bible Church, 1889 Belmont Drive, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.