Lawrence Arney

Lawrence C. Arney, 90, of Battle Creek, MI, and Sanibel, FL, died February 23, 2018, at his Sanibel home, where he made many friends and memories. He especially enjoyed going to the Ding Darling National Park where he loved to take pictures of the birds and animals. Lawrence was born in Battle Creek on April 24, 1927, the son of Orson and Ethel Arney.  He graduated from Battle Creek Central in 1945 and from Trade School at Michigan Technical Institute as a tool and die maker.  He worked at Kellogg Company as a machinist for 35 years retiring in 1992.  Lawrence served in the U.S. Army from 1946-47 at the end of World War II, relieving active soldiers in Italy. During that time he played in the Division Army Band. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 37 years, Leola M. (Sweet) Arney; sisters, Lura Hickock and Osea Boone, a beloved brother, Loren Arney, and step daughter-in-law Peggy Smith of Hastings, MI.  Sister Coleen Helsby from Jacksonville, FL, survives. Also surviving is his wife of 26 years, Zdravka (Dotchie) Smith-Arney whom he married on February 29, 1992; his children Teri (Dave) Byrd of Bradenton, FL, Jim (Robin) Arney of Battle Creek, MI, and Teresa (Mark) Harris of Bradenton, FL, step sons Chuck Smith of Hastings, MI, and Ted Smith of Battle Creek, MI.  He was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.  Also surviving are many nieces and nephews and special nieces Kathy Hoag of Olivet, MI, and Karen Brownell of Marshall, MI. Lawrence was best remembered for his patience and kindness shown to everyone.  He enjoyed visiting with his many family members and friends and did so often.  A passion of his was photography and was frequently seen with a camera in his hand. A service will be held at the Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens Chapel on Friday, March 9, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m., prior to the service at the cemetery chapel. A celebration of life will follow at Riverside Golf Club.  Memorial donations may be made to the Heart Association, Cancer Society or Hope Hospice, 9470 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. www.henryfuneralhome.org