Levi Sterling Arbogast

Levi Sterling Arbogast passed away surrounded by his family, on Dec 15, 2011 after contracting pneumonia. He was born at home in Boggy Depot, Atoka County, OK March 14,1916 to Otto and Pearl (Jamison) Arbogast.Three years later he moved with his family to Blythe, CA. Levi's love of singing started as a relief from boredom while he hoed cotton in the family's fields. As a young man Levi ran his own auto mechanic shop, and enjoyed riding his Indian motorcycle with the Chico motorcycle club. He had graduated from Tulare High School, and later earned his college degree at Cascade College in Portland, OR. He continued singing there as a tenor in church and college choirs, and serenaded his future wife, Bonnie Smothers, who he married Sept 15,1943 at Capay Rancho, CA. After graduating, he and Bonnie were called to a community church in Gardenland (Sacramento) CA where he served for 7 years. While pastoring, he was also active in the local volunteer fire department, sometimes making a quick change from preacher suit to firefighter's coveralls, and back again. After bringing 4 children into the world, his $100/month salary became inadequate, and Levi became a co-owner of a Flying A service station in downtown Sacramento. In 1957 Bonnie and Levi moved the family to rural Northern California where he was Director of Transportation for the Willows Unified School District managing bus routes and bus maintenance for 22 years. Bonnie became the highly respected City Librarian, in addition to managing their home. Levi and Bonnie retired in 1979, and moved to Newberg, OR, where both stayed active in community service for many decades. He and Bonnie were dedicated volunteers at the Newberg Public Library. Levi became a master book mender there, and spent untold hours putting worn and torn books back into usable condition. He also restored and rebound Bibles for the Bible Foundation, and for friends at the Friendsview Retirement Community where he and Bonnie lived. He often remarked that binding and repairing books was the most satisfying work he had ever done. Until he was ninety years old, he delivered Meals on Wheels to people in the Newberg area. In his spare time, he enjoyed bowling and golfing with his friends. Levi's strong tenor voice was often heard in open worship service at Newberg Friends Church. He also loved singing with The Patriarch's men's choir. Along with music, Levi took great pleasure in memorizing and reciting classic poems. Whistling often signaled his coming and going. Levi is survived by his wife and children; Keith (Jan) Arbogast,Cynthia (Dan) McCracken and Ronda (Frank) Measelle, his brother Tom and nine grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his oldest son Brian, two grandchildren and his siblings Enid Tuggle, Hazel Weber and Irwin Arbogast. A Memorial Service will be held at Newberg Friends Church on Thursday, December 22, at 2 pm. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial gifts be made to the The Bible Foundation in Newberg, Oregon (bf@bf.org), or to Newberg Friends Global Outreach Ministries.

Levi Sterling Arbogast

March 14, 1916 - December 15, 2011