LTC (Ret) Arthur J. Bland

September 19, 1948 - August 29, 2017

LTC (Ret) Arthur John Bland, son of the late Arthur Leonard and Josephine Fredricha (Kirchfennie) Bland, was born September 19, 1948 in Munich, Germany. He passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2017 in the Mercy Hospital of Springfield, Missouri having attained the age of 68 years, 11 months and 10 days. Arthur grew up in Lompoc, California and graduated from high school. He furthered his education by attending Chico State and earned two Bachelor of Science Degrees, a Master’s Degree and eventually his Doctorate. Arthur was united in marriage to Kathy Jean “Missie” Friis. They shared many wonderful years together and were blessed with eleven children: Seth, Ashley, Cory, Kristin, Mariah, Sean, Hannah, Sarah, Logan, Carter and Cierra. Arthur dedicated his life to the United States Military. He first entered the United States Navy and served from 1968 to 1972. He received the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal w/one Bronze Star and attained the rank of HM3. In 1973, Arthur entered the United States Army and served until his retirement in 2002. He had attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and earned several awards and commendations; which include: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award) Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award) Army Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation (Navy-Marine Corps), Army Superior Unit Award, National defense Service Medal (3rd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm. In his spare time, Arthur enjoyed reading, traveling and skiing. He loved his family and took great pride in providing for them. Arthur leaves to cherish his memory, eleven children: Seth, Ashley, Cory, Kristin, Mariah, Sean, Hannah, Sarah, Logan, Carter and Cierra Bland; six grandchildren; two siblings; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Arthur was preceded in death by his wife, Missie Bland (October 27, 2004). Services were held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2017 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with U.S. Chaplain Keith Ferrell officiating. The songs “American Soldier”, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Humble and Kind” were played. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Arthur Bland and may be left at the funeral home.