Arlis Eugene Eberle

Arlis Eugene Eberle, 69, of Ponca City passed from this life on March 24, 2016. A lifelong resident of Ponca City, Arlis was born on October 12, 1946, to Arlie and Edith (Underwood) Eberle. While attending Ponca City High School, he joined the Army National Guard. Following graduation in 1965, he joined the US Navy. Arlis honorably served his country as a torpedo man on the USS Allen M. Sumner and USS Johnston during the Vietnam War. After the war he reenlisted in the Army National Guard and was stationed at Fort Polk and Fort Sill, serving as a field radio mechanic and ordnance mechanic. After more than 8 years of combined military service, Arlis was discharged in 1978 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Arlis electronics training prepared him for a career with Southwestern Bell beginning in 1975. He was employed as a phone technician and traveled all over Northern Oklahoma maintaining the telecommunication systems. He worked as a loyal employee for 36 years, retiring in 2011 as one of the last analog technicians within the company.
While he practiced a simple life, he had a very complex mind. Much of his knowledge was self-taught through his avid love of reading. He particularly had a passion for studying early American firearms and military history. He used this knowledge, embellished with his own ideas, to craft interesting stories and theories. He enjoyed sharing these creations with anyone who would listen. Arlis was ornery and loved to laugh. He was known to pull pranks on the people he loved. He was an expert at finding hidden treasures at the local flea market and garage sales. He would repair or improve these treasures and gift them to others. He was always quick to find value in items that others no longer treasured, and he could never pass up a good deal.
The only thing Arlis enjoyed more than finding a bargain was spending time with his family. Of the many roles Arlis had in his life, he enjoyed none better than his role as Grandpa. He was happy to share his pride for his grandchildren with everyone he met. Arlis Eberle was a dedicated husband, a protective father and a proud grandfather. He truly left an unmistakable mark on the lives of those who knew him best.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his four siblings. Those who will carry on his memory include: his wife Janice of Ponca City; three daughters: Erinn Mounts and husband Darren of Edmond, OK, Kahle Rhine and husband Jonathan of Okmulgee, OK, and Shelia Northrup of Ponca City, OK. Seven grandchildren: Leona Mounts, Jennifer and Jessica Rhine, William Cantrell, Lillian and Alorah Whitehouse, and Lydia Northrup.
Services have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home of Stillwater and a service celebrating his life will be held at the Palmer Marler Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 11am. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the 45th Infantry Museum in care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home, 5106 N. Washington, Stillwater, OK 74075.