Obituary of Paul Edward Arms

Paul E. Arms GENEVA- Paul E. Arms, 84, passed away Friday, October 26, 2012 at The Homestead in Penn Yan. Born in Paintsville, Kentucky, December 8, 1927, to William and Lucinda Arms, Paul left his home at the age of about 15 to travel as a migrant worker. Paul eventually landed in Geneva to work at the White Springs farm, where he would meet his future wife. A member of Operating Engineers Local 832, Paul then worked as a heavy equipment operator for over 35 years until his retirement. In his free-time, Paul exercised his skills as a produce picker by providing his family with fresh in-season fruit year round. He was also an avid, decorated bowler. Paul was known to all as an enthusiastic politico, meeting nightly with his closest advisors to entertain the staff at McDonalds with their bi-partisan political discourse and debate. Paul also kept busy in his garage, where he completed half of many various projects. The Little Debbie and Hostess companies also experience significant loss with Paul's passing, as they have provided the antidote to Paul's sweet tooth for many years. Paul will be remembered by his loved ones for his wily sense of humor, winning smile, loving bear hugs, and his perpetual good hair days. Paul was preceded in death by his father, William Arms, mother, Lucinda Arms, brothers James Arms and Lloyd Arms, and sisters Martha Long and Mary Smith. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Anna Mae Arms, his daughters, Lucinda (Walter) Johnston of Penn Yan, Patricia (James) Calhoun of Warrensburg, New York, Paula Will of Maitland, Florida, Sharon (James) Olschewske of Geneva, and Roberta Lead of Geneva, his brothers Harry (Jane) Arms of Geneva and Henry (Laura) Arms of Geneva, and sister Linda of Texas. Paul also leaves behind his 6 grandchildren, Rebecca Johnston Finch, Emily (Ryan) Johnston Montgomery, Kyle Olschewske, Alexandra Will, Lauren Olschewske, and Benjamin Lead; 3 great-grandchildren, Olivia, Natalie and Andrew Finch, and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held at Palmisano-Mull Funeral Home in Geneva, New York on Tuesday, October 30 from 4-8pm. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 31 at 9:30am at St. Francis church in Geneva, New York.