STAUNTON – Nathaniel “Erskine” Arehart, 81, husband of Nancy B. Arehart of 102 Bellview St., in Staunton, and formerly of 820 Cedar Ave., Drexel Hill, Pa., went to be with his Lord Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, at Augusta Health in Fishersville, after a 15-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Mr. Arehart was born April 12, 1928, in Augusta County, a son of the late Henry Christian Arehart and Dorothy Elizabeth (Stover) Arehart.
Erskine was a graduate of Beverley Manor High School, Class of 1945. He attended Dunsmore Business College and graduated from the V.P.I. Horticulture Department in 1953. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served his country for four years. He was employed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 1955-95 in Philadelphia as an inspector.
Mr. Arehart was a dedicated Boy Scout leader since 1968; he received the District Award of Merit and the Council Silver Beaver Award, and he was an Ordeal Member of the Order of the Arrow. He was a member of Drexel Hill United Methodist Church in Drexel Hill. After retiring from the U.S. government, Mr. Arehart and his wife enjoyed 10 years of travel, both in the U.S. and abroad. His favorite hobby was working on his family genealogy.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, whom he married June 17, 1950, are a son, David Erskine Arehart of Staunton; and a brother and sister-in-law, Forrest Christian Arehart and his wife, Betty, of Waynesboro. Mr. Arehart is also survived by extended family in the Alleghany Highlands and Botetourt County.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Coffman Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. J. Wade Munford. Interment will follow in Thornrose Cemetery, St-aunton.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. this evening at the funeral home.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Hebron Presbyterian Church Organ Fund, 423 Hebron Road, Staunton, Va. 24401.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net.