CHARLES COLEMAN ARRASMITH

      Charles Coleman Arrasmith, 91, passed away at home in Clarkston, Saturday, September 19, 2020 in the arms of his loving wife, Nicole.  He was also surrounded by his beloved children throughout his brief illness.

      Charles was born on February 22, 1929, to George and Clara Arrasmith in Springfield, Colorado.  He moved with his parents and siblings to Palouse, Washington in 1942.

      He attended and graduated from Palouse High School. At age 17, Charles joined the United States Navy as a seaman. He served from January 1947 until November 1949 and is a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. He was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal and the Lewis Clark Valley Quilt of Honor.

      In 1953, Chuck married Lela Mae Batten of Palouse. They had four children, Kirk, Teresa, Tamara, and Mignon.  They lived briefly in Milton-Freewater and Seattle before settling in Palouse. They were later divorced. In 1964 he married Bette Jo (Crose) Thompson and they made their home in Palouse.  Bette Jo passed away on June 17, 1987.

      On February 8, 1990, Chuck married Nicole D. Kammeyer. They lived in Palouse until 1997 and then moved to Clarkston.  After his retirement, he and Nicki spent winters as “Snow Birds” in the home he built near San Felipe, Baja California.  His children were able to join them on numerous occasions and enjoyed fishing the Sea of Cortez, playing on the beach, riding four wheelers and sand rails, and sightseeing.

      Chuck worked at Washington State University and retired as an Electrical Engineer in the Physical Plant. He was dedicated and hard working both on the job and at home. He loved construction and remodeled a number of homes and built three new homes.  He was a member of the Palouse School Board, Lions Club, and VFW.

      Chuck loved spending time with family and friends.  He was quick witted and always had hilarious one liners.  In addition to construction, he enjoyed reading, dancing, camping, boating, traveling, watching football, and shooting the breeze at the local Pub. When he and Nicki quit spending winters in Mexico, their love of animals led to expanding their family to include several dogs, exotic birds, iguanas, and they filled their pond with Koi.

      He has left us with many wonderful memories. His kids remember Friday nights when “Dad” came home with Hershey bars in his back pocket for each of them.  Summer trips to the lake for a week of swimming, water skiing, and fishing were special.  Family reunions and 4th of July camping trips at Dworshak are cherished by everyone.  Volleyball in the Palouse Park was an activity he enjoyed with his children and friends, young and old.  Family holiday parties included card games, great food, laughter and love, and are treasured memories.

      In addition to his travel with the Navy, he also visited Australia and New Zealand. Chuck and Nicki shared a love of travel.  Mexico, Samoa, and trips to Hawaii a few times, were some of the remarkable adventures they enjoyed together.

      Chuck is survived by his wife, Nicole, at the family home, a son, Kirk Arrasmith (Jenifer); daughters Teresa Arndt (Burnell), Tamara Arrasmith, and Mignon Arrasmith; grandchildren Derek Arndt, Brandon Arndt (Christina) and children Bradyn and K’lee, Cody Arrasmith, Whitney

Arrasmith and children Zedyn and Xavion; and his father-in-law and friend, Chris Kammeyer.  He also leaves behind his beloved menagerie of animals.

      Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, George and Clara and all seven siblings, Aden, Orland, Jeannette, Kathryn, Hazel, George, and Marion.

            A graveside service, with military honors, will be held on October 3 at 1:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Palouse, Washington.  Online condolences may be left at: merchantfuneralhome.com or kramercares.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chuck’s name to the Potlatch VFW, Box 386, Potlatch

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