Arvin LeRoy Workman

Arvin LeRoy Workman, an emeritus professor of communication at Indiana State University, went to be with the Lord Sunday, June 7, 2009, in Asheville, N.C. Born in Pierson, Mich., on March 28, 1931, he was 78 years old. He attended high school in Terre Haute and graduated from Gerstmeyer Tech (1949), where he lettered in track and football. He earned an undergraduate degree from Indiana State University, and again lettered in football. After obtaining a doctorate at Michigan State University, he taught for 26 years at Indiana State University. He retired as director of Television Services. A captain in the Naval Reserves, Arvin was called to active duty during the Korean War. He retired from the Navy after 36 years and, while never able to swim, was fond of saying "nobody can swim a thousand miles." Arvin served the First Baptist Church of West Terre Haute as a deacon, superintendent, Sunday school teacher, and treasurer. He deeply loved his family and modeled a dedicated work ethic, godly character, and unconditional love. His passions included designing elaborate treasure hunts, writing poetry and stories, and taking road trips to see friends and family. Arvin's unique trademark with his children and grandchildren was the gift of two-dollar bills. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Wilma; his son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Lisa Workman of Chandler, Ariz.; his daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Kevin Martin of Asheville, N.C.; his daughter and son-in-law, Jenny and Ron Pitcock of Fort Worth, Texas; and his daughter and son-in-law, Missy and Kai Soltau of Vienna, Austria. He loved his 12 grandchildren, Christine, Levi, Joshua, Sawyer, Keegan, Graedon, McCade, Delaney, Finley, Madeline, Henry, and Eliza. He also is survived by two sisters, Joycelyn Workman of Aurora, Colo., and Marlette Randall of Monroe, Mich. Visitation is in Roselawn Funeral Home, 7500 N. Clinton St., at 10 a.m. Friday, with the funeral following at noon. Donations may be made to First Baptist Church of West Terre Haute, 205 S. 5th St., West Terre Haute, IN 47885-1625.