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Arnold Hayes Fairbanks, born December 19, 1923 in Ottawa, Illinois, passed away on October 20, 2015, at the State Veterans Home in Floresville, TX. He is survived by his wife, Carole Fairbanks of San Antonio; 2 daughters: Bonnie Lee Noeninger and husband Jim of O'Fallon Illinois and JoAnn Harrison and husband Gerald Butch of Niles, Michigan; 2 grandchildren: Laura Prokopf and husband Kevin of Belleville, Illinois and Randy Hayes Harrison of Niles, Michigan; 2 great-grandchildren: Kari Peterson Bill and Ashlee Prindible Alex; 2 great great-grandchildren: Will Peterson and Gavin Peterson; 1 sister Ann Bargels and husband Wayne; 1 brother John Anderson and wife Virginia; 4 step daughters: Rynda Moore Gary, Leigh Ann Bissett, Becky Thompson Jay and Melissa Wells; and 6 step grandchildren; nieces, nephews and many wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years, Vivian Barkeley Fairbanks, mother of Bonnie and Joann; parents, Flossie Belle and Mandy Finnestad, Lillian Seward Anderson; grandson Ward Hunter Noeninger; sisters: Jean Marie Ferro and Audrey Evans. A loving father and family man, Arnold spent a large portion of his life in service to his Country. During the Great Depression, at the young age of 14, he joined the Civil Conservation Corps, and left his home in Illinois to serve in Montana, Wyoming and Wisconsin. In 1944 he joined the United States Marine Corp and as a seagoing marine served aboard the USS Benson. In 1957 he transferred to the U.S. Air Force, stationed with NATO in Italy, France and Spain on "Operation Bootstrap". He earned a degree from the University of Omaha. From 1966-1969 he was a provo member of the USAF High Power Rifle Team, whom he always considered Family. After retiring from the Air Force in 1970, he went to work for the Navy as an Aviator, working out of Washington, DC and traveled the world extensively. In 1973 - 1976, he served as Department Head of Recreation at Roosevelt Roads Naval Base in Puerto Rico. He then worked for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in Washington as an Auditor, until his retirement to San Antonio in 1988. Arnold loved his country and 'The Star Spangled Banner' never failed to bring tears to his eyes. Although his health began to fail dramatically the last months of his life, the Staff at the Veterans Home said he never forgot how to salute! My beloved husband, and my best friend, thank you for 21 wonderful years. You're gone from me but in my memory we always will be together.

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Arnold Hayes Fairbanks

December 19, 1923 - October 20, 2015