MELVERN, Kan. – Dale E. “Sharky” Arb, 90, passed away on Saturday, April 10, 2021, at his home in Melvern, Kan. He was born Feb. 9, 1931, in Melvern, the son of Earl E. and Mary (Elliot) Arb.

Dale served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1955, during the Korean War. He was stationed in Alaska, where he was a motor pool mechanic, and was honorably discharged earning the rank of sergeant.

Dale worked as a crane operator for Santa Fe Railroad, in Topeka, Kan., for more than 42 years and retired in 1997. Dale’s true passion was being a farmer and stockman. He was also known for his legendary garden which he shared with many friends and family.

On July 26, 1952, Dale was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Criqui, in Texas. To this union four children were born, Mike, Kenny, Linda and Bryon. They shared more than 68 years of marriage before Mary Ellen passed away Jan. 8, 2021.

Dale was also preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Mary; seven brothers, Earl Dean, Orville, Eldon, Donald, Larry, Warren and Francis Arb; and two sisters, Bernice Hobert and Norma Patterson.

Dale is survived by his four children, Mike Arb, Topeka, Kenny (Robyn), Melvern, Linda (Bert) Brannen, Atlanta, Ga., and Bryon (Tina) Arb, Topeka; four sisters, Wilma Ambrose, Wichita, Kan., Delores Ambrose, Wichita, Barbara Ernzen, Leavenworth, Kan., and Shirley Twombly, St. Joseph, Mo.; five grandchildren, Sonya Ruiz, Toni Arb, Lana Shelton, Wayne Arb and Whitney Arb; and many great grandchildren.

Graveside funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, April 16, at the Melvern Cemetery. Dale will lie in state 3-6 p.m. Thursday, April 15, at Feltner Funeral Home, Lyndon. The family will receive friends 6-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Dale E. Arb Memorial Fund, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451. Condolences can be left at www.feltnerfuneralhome.com.