Marion Leslie Arnett

Pioneer Family Descendant, Navy Veteran, Pilot and Community Supporter passes at age 99

Marion Leslie Arnett was born on February 22, 1923, in San Bernadino and passed away on August 18, 2022, at his home in Redlands. He was 99 years old.
He was born to Clyde Curlee and Leila Angelina (Warren) Arnett and lived in Ventura County until 1937 when the family moved to Yucaipa to a farm. The Arnett family grew to 6 children, Lee Roy, Marion, James, Fred, Rosalie and Mary Ellen. Marion’s mother, Leila was the daughter of Mark “Chuck” and Sylvia Warren who were pioneers in Morongo Valley since the 1850s. Marion was a lifetime member of the Morongo Basin Historical Society.
Marion graduated from Redlands High School in 1940 and married Barbara Barker in 1941. They had three children, Steven, Linda and Kenneth and remained in the Yucaipa Valley. Marion and Barbara were married 69 years when she passed in 2010. He married Ardyce Ray in 2014 and they spent 8 years together.
Marion was a Navy Veteran serving in the Philippines at Clark Field. He is a lifetime member and commander of the Yucaipa American Legion. He served as Grand Marshall at the Redlands Veterans Parade in 2021. He served on the Yucaipa School Board from 1957 to 1969. He was active in the Boy Scouts and Little League.
His passion for aviation lead to him getting his pilot’s license and owning three different airplanes. He would volunteer to fly doctors, nurses, medical technicians and supplies to Mexico on a monthly basis for over 10 years. His wife Barbara would accompany him on those flights. He loved his flying and gave it up only when his health would not allow.
Marion was proceeded in death by his first wife Barbara, his parents, Clyde and Leila, brothers Lee Roy, James, Fred and sisters Rosalie and Mary Ellen and granddaughter Paula.
He is survived by his current wife Ardyce, children Steve Arnett and wife Sharon of Deming NM, Linda Elliott of Winnsboro, TX and Ken Arnett of Russellville, AL. Five grandchildren, Sean Arnett, Saul Arnett and wife Cobretti, Connie Troesh, Kurt Arnett and wife Azsah and Nicki Arnett. Six Great Grandchildren, Paige, Garrett, Kenny, Toni, Todd, Vincent and Monroe Arnett. And two Great Great Grandchildren who will miss meeting their grandpa when they are welcomed into the family within the next few months.
Marion lived a full and rewarding life and will be missed by family and friends. He was a devote Christian and is now on final approach to heaven to be with his Lord and Savior.
Services will be held on Friday, September 2, at Emmerson Bartlett Memorial Chapel at 703 Brookside Ave, Redlands, 92373. Viewing will be 9:00 to 9:30 am with service at 9:30 and burial at 11:00 at Hillside Memorial Park, 1540 Alessandro Rd. Redlands, 972373.