of Searcy, AR
September 20, 1926 - December 15, 2016
Arnold E. Pylkas, 90, of Searcy, Arkansas passed away Thursday, December 15, 2016. He was born September 20, 1926 in Menahga, Minnesota to the late Carl and Anna Pylkas.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Gordon Pylkas and is survived by his sister Elizabeth Brownlee.
Arnold is survived by his wife of 63 years, Wanda Hutchison Pylkas, two sons: Stephen Pylkas (Pamela) of St. Joe, Michigan, and Matthew Pylkas (Betsy) of Nashville, Tennessee, one daughter: Lauri Bracken (Kelly) of Rolla, Missouri, six grandchildren: Kyle Bracken, Claire Bracken, Grace Bracken, Anna Pylkas, Sarah Pylkas, and Connor Pylkas. He is also survived by two great grandchildren: Stephen Pylkas and Paul Burton.
Arnold was a devoted Christian, Husband, Father, and Grandfather. He was a longtime active member of College Church of Christ in Searcy. He and his wife Wanda were faithful to the Church and served as missionaries in Finland for several years.
He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during World War II.
He was a Professional Educator. During his carreer he served as a teacher, school administrator, and as a professor. He was both a professor and swimming coach at Harding University in Searcy.
Arnold had a passion for swimming and teaching the sport. Throughout his lifetime he continually shared his love of swimming with others.
A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2017 at College Church of Christ, 712 E. Race St. in Searcy. A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. just prior to the service.
For online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
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13 Condolence(s)
Eileen FOLEY Schumaker
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Mr. Pylkas was The Best Principal and Well liked by students and Teachers.
In the early 1950's a Brand New School Was Built in our new Subdivision . Vanderburg was the School and Mr. Pylkas our Principal.
I looked forward to attended each day at Vandenburg Elementry.
I was the oldest of eight children, each of us were very Blessed to have know such a Principal.
He implemented great programs for the school body.
I am Happy he had a Long Wonderful Life.
On to Your Heavenly Reward
James Komjathy
Monday, April 1, 2019
I remember Mr. Pylkas well. He was the principal at Vandenburg Elementary School in South Redford, Michigan when I was a youngster. I had no idea of his background or service to the church. I'm sure all that knew him miss him. I am thankful for the work he did.
Ralph Williams
Saturday, January 14, 2017
I will never forget the swimming demonstration that coach PylKas gave us when we completed advanced lifesaving. We had been in his class for several years and had never seen him in the water. We teased him about it and he put on a well-rehearsed show. He demonstrated "doing laps in a bathtub", and then he did laps (underwater). More laps than any of us could imagine.
He was an outstanding coach and a good friend.
s willis
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss, he will surely be missed. When I lost my mother, I found comfort in the Bible. At 2 Corinthians 1:7 there Jehovah tells us “and so our hope for YOU is unwavering, knowing as we do that, just as YOU are sharers of the sufferings, in the same way YOU will also share the comfort.”
May the coming days bring you peace and comfort.
Revelation 21:4&5 is very comforting for our future! " And God will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more; Neither will mourning, nor outcry, nor pain be any more! ...And God said Look! I am making all things new... these words are faithful and true!"
Sincerely, S Willis
Rick Hendricks
Monday, December 19, 2016
Coach Pylkas was one of the best guys that I ever ran info at Harding. I had him for a class as a phys. ed. major and had him as a swimming coach. He really had a skill for working with people and coaching. Had never swam competitively before and his ability to train and work you was tremendous. We were conference runner-up the year I swam. I never worked so hard in my life. It was such an impression on me. Both my kids went on to swim in High School. My Son went to the state swim finals here in Oklahoma. The good Lord has one of his best servants with hm now. Prayers for peace to the Pylkas family.
Diane Pylkas Smith
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Dear Aunt Wanda, my sympathies to you and the family. Uncle Arnie was a smart, kind man. What a deep loss this is to the family. I shall keep you all in my prayers. Love, Diane Pylkas Smith
Gary & Suzan Hill
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Our deepest sympathy. We will miss him. He was a wonderful man.
Bill and Gaye Carothers
Saturday, December 17, 2016
We are sad for the loss of a wonderful man. We met Arnold in 1974 as Harding students. We worked for his recycling business in Searcy. He was a great mentor and friend.
Ron & Marty Farrar Highfield
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Dear Pylkas family, We are thankful for all the good that Arnie did in the world and for the beautiful memories that he left behind. We rejoice that he is whole & healed and know that he is still so loved here. Blessings, Ron & Marty
Roger Pritchett
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Mr. Pylkas was a great man with a wonderful family. I enjoyed the class I had with him, and all my interactions. The family will be in my prayers.
Vicki Emery
Saturday, December 17, 2016
My Deepesy sympathy and prayers. What a wonderful Christian man and Servant. God Bless. Vicki Emery, the class of 1977.
Bob Amis
Friday, December 16, 2016
It is with fond memories and great sadness to learn of Coach Pylkas's passing.
I remember him seeking me out shortly after I enrolled at Harding, upon learning that I swam competitively in High School in Michigan. He convinced me to join the team, which I did for one year. Lettered and set a team record on a relay.
Arnold was a man of the highest Christian character, always so positive and caring. He constantly went the extra distance, both as a coach but also personally, to share his faith and provide caring concern. My prayers for his wife and family.
Keith and Stella Kreh
Friday, December 16, 2016
Arnie was a special man and great servant of God. Our love and sympathy to Wanda and the family.