July 18, 1925 ~ October 9, 2015
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Copyright 2015 Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services, 2898 West Walnut, Rogers, Arkansas 72756 479-631-1353
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Ferold Gene Arend, 90, of Bentonville, Arkansas passed away, Friday, October
9, 2015 in Bentonville. He was born July 18, 1925 in Fairbury, Nebraska to
Henry and Alice Pearston Arend.
He served in the United States Navy as a Signalman on the USS Deuel in the
Pacific Theatre during WWII.
He married M. Jane Courmier, on June 19, 1951. He began his retail career at
Hested’s 5&10 in Kansas and Nebraska. He was Vice President of J.J.Newberry
Corp. when he accepted Sam Walton’s invitation to come to Bentonville in 1966.
History was made with his part in establishing Walmart Stores, Inc. by serving as
Walmart’s first corporate president and chief operating officer. He retired as vice
chairman of the board of directors in 1984.
Ferold was very supportive in the growth and development of the city of
Bentonville. He helped in the financing of the original Bentonville Parking
Districts and also provided the seed money for the initial renovation and
revitalization of the Downtown Square.
Ferold and Jane were one of the founders in the effort to save the Peel Mansion.
Over the years they continued to support its mission to preserve the history of
our area.
Education and the arts played an important part in his philanthropy. When
approached by the school district to build an arts center, Arend recognized the
need which resulted in the Arend Arts Center at Bentonville High School where
over one million people have enjoyed performances. He also established the
Arend Family Community Center in his home town, of Fairbury, Nebraska.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Jane Arend in 2010; his
parents; one brother, Wendell Arend and one sister, Lois B. Kapke.
Ferold is survived by one daughter, Debi Havner and husband, Galen of
Bentonville; three sons, Curtis Arend and wife, Theresa of Rogers, Scott
Arend of Rogers, Mike Arend and wife, Tami of Garfield; three grandchildren,
Alice Jane Havner, William Henry Arend, Cineca Spring Keck; one great
grandchild, Lennon Keck, and two bonus grandchildren, Victoria and Vincent
Vitali.
Private services will be held.
Memorials may be made in memory of Ferold Arend to the Peel Compton
Foundation, 312 N Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712, www.peelcompton.org/ or
to Circle of Life Legacy Village, 1201 NE Legacy Parkway Bentonville, AR
72712.
CONDOLENCES
Many years ago Ferold Arend came to my Katz store in Overland Park,
Ks. and hired me with nothing more than a handshake. I now have my
third generation working for Walmart. All due to Ferold Arend. He was
a very great man and will be missed
Lew/Janice Skelton
The BHS Fine Arts department would like to extend our deepest sympathy
on the passing of Mr. Arend. While the entire community owes him and
your family a great deal, we in the Fine Arts department are affected on a
daily basis by his tremendous generosity and commitment to enriching
students lives through creative expression and performing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family; and my theatre
students join me in reflecting on your father and mothers great legacy and
the impact they make on kids lives every day.
Bentonville High School Fine Arts Dept