Laverne Lyle Arnold

LaVerne “Verne” Lyle Arnold passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2026. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Cynthia “Cindy” Susanne Arnold; his daughter, Amy McCann and her husband Mike; his daughter, Heather Peters and her husband Mike; and his son, Lance Arnold. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Sam and Max Peters and Claire and Kate McCann. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Sally Draper, along with extended family and many dear friends.

Verne was born in Michigan and carried his Midwestern roots with him throughout his life. His journey took him to San Diego when the U.S. Marine Corps stationed him at Camp Pendleton, and California would become his home for many decades. In 2023, he and Cindy made the move to Virginia to be closer to family.

He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1963 to 1967. During his military career, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he demonstrated unwavering resilience and dedication. Following his service in Vietnam, he was selected to serve as a drill instructor, a role he carried out with discipline, integrity, and deep commitment to shaping the next generation of Marines. His service reflected a profound sense of duty, honor, and patriotism that remained a defining part of his life.

After his military service, Verne dedicated himself to a long and meaningful career as a respiratory therapist. Entering the profession in the late 1960s, he helped shape and advance respiratory care programs at multiple hospitals, authored a book, and taught at local community colleges, where he took great pride in mentoring students and sharing his knowledge.

Outside of his professional life, Verne found deep joy in gardening. As a certified Master Gardener in California—and later in Virginia—he generously shared his talents with others. Whether volunteering with the Veterans Home of Ventura and the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts or helping friends and family transform their yards into beautiful spaces, he approached each project with creativity, patience, and care.

Always up for an adventure, he and Cindy enjoyed traveling together. He equally loved a good road trip in the U.S. or traveling to new places abroad. He also enjoyed singing – whether at church or a barbershop quartet.

A man of deep faith, Verne was an active and faithful member of his church communities throughout his life. He found purpose in service, comfort in fellowship, and strength in his beliefs. His faith was reflected in the ways he showed kindness to those he met.

Above all, Verne will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the lives he improved through his military service and work, and the many gardens he helped to grow.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, April 18 at 10:30 a.m. at Stony Point Reformed Presbyterian Church, 2330 Buford Road, Richmond, VA 23235.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Verne’s memory can be made to the Faison Center at 5311 Markel Road, Richmond, VA 23230 or online at www.faisoncenter.org/donate and Bon Secours Richmond Health Care Foundation – Cancer Cause at 920 Libbie Avenue, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23226 or online at www.givebsmh.org.