Ferold Gene Arend

Ferold Gene Arend, 90, of Bentonville, Ark. passed away, Friday, Oct. 9, 2015 in Bentonville. He was born July 18, 1925 in Fairbury, Neb. 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, Neb. 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, Ark. 72712, www.peelcompton.org/ or to Circle of Life Legacy Village, 1201 NE Legacy Parkway Bentonville, Ark. 72712. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers. Words of comfort or memories may be shared at stockdalefuneral.com.