Arnold Edward Debrick

Arnold Debrick, a lifelong and beloved resident of Paola, Kansas, passed away peacefully at Miami County Medical Center on June 16, 2024, at the age of 99. As a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son and brother, it was particularly fitting that he spent his final Father’s Day on this Earth surrounded and serenaded with hymns by family and friends.

Born on March 23, 1925, Arnold lived a life marked by service, hard work and dedication to God, country, community and those he loved. He grew up on a family farm, which remained his sole residence for nearly ten decades. At the age of 18, Arnold volunteered to serve his country during WWII and officially enlisted at Fort Leavenworth in Leavenworth, KS. After being assigned to the United States Army and completing basic training, he traveled the Atlantic aboard the Queen Mary, ultimately making his way through England, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Czechoslovakia and Poland. Shortly after arriving in Europe in January 1945, he was separated from his original unit, leading him to Company B of the 9th Armored Infantry Battalion of the Sixth Armored Division during the Battle of the Bulge. After weeks of battle with no sleep and through tortuous snow and terrain, Arnold fell victim to "trench foot" and nearly lost both his feet to amputation. This experience profoundly shaped his faith and established an unparalleled mental toughness that was forever a part of him. Upon recovery and rejoining his Company, he helped liberate the Nazi Concentration Camp at Buchenwald in April 1945. Though there are many memories Arnold wished to forget, he spent his last decades sharing his experiences in hopes that the atrocities of WWII would never be repeated. For his extraordinary bravery and courage, he was awarded the Bronze Star and the French Legion of Honor, the highest distinction that France can bestow upon those who have achieved remarkable deeds for the country.

Following the war, Arnold returned home to Kansas and married Lorene (Prothe) Debrick on February 20, 1949, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Block, KS—the same church that he was baptized and confirmed. Together, they were blessed with four children and founded Debrick Truck Line Company in 1958, which expanded from a single truck to a nationwide carrier in 48 states and Canada that his family continues to operate. His business, like his life, was built on principles of integrity, perseverance and helping others.

Arnold and Lorene each had blue eyes that sparkled and smiles that could light up a room in an instant. They were the utmost hosts, holding Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings after church, and enjoyed traveling with friends and family for many fishing, hunting, skiing and dancing trips. Arnold held leadership positions at Trinity Lutheran Church, serving as Chairman of Congregation for 46 years, and Commander of American Legion Post 156 of Paola.

Arnold will be remembered for his unwavering strength, high moral character, ornery spirit and profound love for his family. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who strive to embody the values he held dear with phrases such as, “Lord, I’ll do my best. I’ll let you take care of the rest.”

Arnold is survived by his four children Karen (Greg) Windler, Kathy (Paul) Haley, Kevin (Denise) Debrick, and Ken (Karla) Debrick; sister Doris Rodewald; sister-in-laws Joyce Debrick and Shirley Warden; brother-in-law Vernon (Donna) Prothe; his ten grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren, with an eighth due in August. He was preceded in death by his wife Lorene; parents, Minnie and Edward Debrick; brother, Rollie Debrick; brothers-in-laws Herman Rodewald and Bill Warden; and sisters-in-laws Alvina Debrick and Beverly Helin.

A visitation will be held at Dengel & Son on Thursday, June 20 from 6:00-8:00 PM and a funeral service at Trinity Lutheran Church on Friday, June 21 at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Meals for Veterans. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those whose lives he touched.

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