Arthur Stodden, 37, passed away Friday, March 17th. He was born to Vernon Stodden Jr and Julia Osborn on August 12, 1985. He was 6th of their 8 children. He was a cheerful and sweet little boy. He graduated from Valley High School in 2004, where he made a name for himself as a state wrestler. He joined the Army and served 8 years with the 82nd Airborne out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He did 2 tours in Afghanistan as a field medic. He was able to serve alongside his sister on 1 tour as she was there with the Iowa Air Guard. While married to Whitney Lawless, they welcomed their only child Hailey in 2008. She was the light of his life and his pride and joy. Post military he worked construction along with his father and brothers. He then did an apprenticeship with the Plumbers Union, working for The Waldinger Corporation. At the time of his death, he was working as a technician at Microsoft.
He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Dan Conard. He was survived by his daughter, Hailey Stodden, his parents Vernon Stodden Jr, Julia Osborn, siblings, Lisa Conard, Arvetta Browning (Shane), Jake Stodden (Alex), Vern Stodden III (Teresa), Benjamin Stodden, Susan Smith (Shane), Katie Van Ryswyk (Dusty), Tony Smith and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves many close friends that have been dear and loyal to him since childhood.
He was a member of Revive Assembly church. He loved Jesus and his pastor, Jeramy Breese.
He loved to spend his free time reading or listening to books. He loved Star Wars and Legos. He loved playing games with his brothers and friends. He spent the last few years taking care of his mom, helping her around her house and keeping her company. His favorite things were simple, hanging out with his best friend and longtime roommate, Tony and his daughter, Hailey.
Memorial Service will be held at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Rd. Des Moines, Saturday April 1st at 10am. There will be a luncheon following at the Des Moines Rugby Clubhouse 120 39th St West Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, please donate to his memorial fund: Arthur Stodden Memorial Fund. https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8SIsVNP8Nl.
