Arnold Carlvin

Obituary of Arnold Orlando Carlvin

Arnold Orlando Carlvin

At the age of 63, Arnold Orlando Carlvin passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec 8, 2017, at his home in Plainfield, IL, with his loving wife as ever by his side.  Mr. Arnold Orlando Carlvin was born on January 9, 1954 to the union of Ardie Mae and Elisha Carlvin in Chicago, Illinois, the middle child of six children.  From an early age he displayed a great fondness for, and commitment to, a variety of sports; while passionate about essentially every imaginable sport, he was especially enthusiastic about football, so much so that as do many young boys who are guided by a singular passion for something, he would go to great lengths for almost any opportunity to play the game.  Shortly after graduating from Lindblom Technical High School where he was, but of course, an active member of the football team and various other social activities, Arnold entered into service in the United States Air Force at the age of 19 where he served until he was honorable discharged several years later at the conclusion of his service.

Following his military service, Arnold continued his education by pursuing additional degrees and certifications, and he eventually found his professional calling in the medical field by training and working as a Neurodiagnostic Technologist.  It was a combination of his medical and electronics backgrounds, and particularly his specific areas of proficiency in both, that first caught the attention of one of the founders of Evokes Potential Technologists.  This served as the beginning of what would develop into a career that would span across the length of 30 plus years, a time period over which Arnold would earn the respect of his various colleagues as well as continually grow in the depths of his professional expertise and accomplishments.

His other great accomplishment in life was his marriage of 34 years to his one true love, Geraldine Jenkins-Carlvin.  With Gerri he managed to build a family in the form of his two sons, James and Andre.  In a marriage that took them from Chicago to Georgia and back again, Geraldine and Arnold built a durable and lasting bond together that would ably bear them through the loss of parents, the birth of their first grandchild, and all the various challenges that a long life together will present to each and every couple in the interest of now and again testing the limits of their love and their shared resolve to endure.

In addition to his unwavering commitment to his wife, children and grandchild, Arnold was also very passionate about a wide variety of interests, from the aforementioned sports to a great array of books and political topics.  He was ever and always eagerly conversant in any number of topics, his side of conversations always filled with keen observations, gentle humor, and a sincere interest in whatever the person on the other side of the conversation had to say on the subject at hand.  He was a splendid listener and fantastically sociable, his great love of music often compelling him to be one of the first people to get up and start dancing.  As someone who constantly had a kind or joking word to offer, Arnold was the furthest thing from a wallflower.  His vast enjoyment and deep valuing of not merely life but of those around him and close to him, the individuals through whom life was made worth living, came shining through in his always easy conversation and laughter.

Just as central as his unshakeable commitment to family and friends was Arnold’s devotion to his Christian faith.  In his words he had his, “spiritual awakening”, on February 21st, 1995 when he professed himself in Christ and was baptized by Rev. J. M. Wordlaw at Mt. Hebron M. B. Church.  Along with his wife, children and grandchild, Arnold’s unwavering faith as a devoted Christian enabled him to rise up to not only face but bravely endure whatever challenges came his way. Indeed it was his great love of God and family that endowed him with the enviable strength and bearing that permitted him to remain as vigilant and strong for as long as he did.

Arnold is survived by his adoring wife, Geraldine; his two sons, James and Andre; his infant grandson, Elisha; his siblings, Donald, Barbara, Belinda, Ronald, and Reginald; and a host of other relatives.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

The true blessing of family and friends is revealed during times like this, and we are fortunate to have so many who love us and are praying for us.  Thank you for every expression of love and sympathy.

Funeral Services for Arnold O. Carlvin will held on Friday, December 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, IL, with Pastor Michael Smith officiating.  Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the United States Air Force and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad.  For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com

Thursday
14
December

Visitation

4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Fred C. Dames Funeral Homes - Joliet
3200 Black at Essington Roads
Joliet, Illinois, United States
(815) 741-5500
Friday
15
December

Chapel Service

10:00 am
Friday, December 15, 2017
Fred C. Dames Funeral Homes - Joliet
3200 Black at Essington Roads
Joliet, Illinois, United States
(815) 741-5500
Pastor Michael Smith will officiate.
Friday
15
December

Interment

12:30 pm
Friday, December 15, 2017
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
20953 W. Hoff Road
Elwood, Illinois, United States
Full military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the United States Air Force and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad.
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