Manhattan- Harold E. “Hap” Arnold, 86, of Manhattan, KS formerly of Horton and Holton, passed away June 15, 2012 in Manhattan. He was born April 15, 1926 in Holton, KS the son of Ray and Viola Mae Askren Arnold.

Hap graduated from Holton High School and attended Kansas State University. He served in the United States Navy from 1944 – 1946 aboard the USS Kwajalein during WWII. Hap also lived in Horton, KS from 1956 – 2010 and lived in Manhattan for about a year to be close to his children.

He worked for the Kansas Dept. of Transportation for over 40 years and retired in 1986. He was a member of the St. Leo’s Catholic Church, a member for over 50 years of Boy Scouts of America. He was a staff member at Camp Geiger for many years, a staff member for National Scout Jamboree and longtime benefactor of Troup #112 in Horton, KS.

Hap married Mary Elizabeth Farrell on October 16, 1947 in Manhattan, KS. She preceded him in death on June 3, 1995. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Lenita E. McGinnis; a brother-in-law, Dale McGinnis; a step-sister, Winnie Cress and a brother-in-law, Ray Cress.

Survivors include two daughters, Pamela Dillon (Kurt) of St. George, KS and Janet Buettgenbach of Manhattan, KS; a son, Terry Arnold (Ruth Ann) of Littleton, CO; 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Horton, KS. Rosary will be recited 6:30 p.m. Monday evening at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. Interment will be in the Holton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be given to Camp Geiger or Knights of Columbus c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.