STEPHEN MICHAEL ARBAUGH

December 21, 1947 ‒ January 15, 2018

Mansfield, Ohio

Lieutenant Stephen Arbaugh was like a brother to many, not just a friend. Every activity in which he participated grew to form a strong kinship: his Sheriff Department Family, his Horse Judging Family, his McDonald’s Breakfast Family, his Golf Family, his Gun Collectors Family, and his Lexington Athletics Family.

Steve Arbaugh, age 70, passed away Monday, January 15, 2018 at his Mansfield farm. He was born December 21, 1947 in Mansfield to parents David Roy & Marjorie Ann (Maglott) Arbaugh. He graduated Madison High School with the class of 1966 and married Gwendolyn Curtiss on March 21, 1981.

Lieutenant Arbaugh retired from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department after 28 years of service. He enjoyed mentoring his co-workers and serving alongside them. Steve was an excellent marksman who learned everything there is to know about firearms and was adamant about gun safety.

Enforcing rules was important to Steve while working, judging horse shows, or even just playing a round of golf with friends. You could always rely on Steve to know the rules, keep everyone in line, and to be honest.

As a young man, Steve showed horses and worked in Texas and Ohio as a horse trainer. His incredible knowledge led him to judge for the AQHA (American Quarter Horse Assoc.) all over the US and Canada and also for the NRHA (National Reining Horse Assoc.). Every October for over 25 years he was a paddock judge for the All American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio. Over the years he had many horses, and currently had six horses and two ponies. As much as Steve loved rules, they went out the window when it came to his animals. Steve was known to be a bit of a softie toward his dogs.

He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years Gwen Arbaugh of Mansfield; daughter and son-in-law Kiley & Steven Harkins of Mansfield; sister Shelley (Gary) Delk and their daughter Kelly (Tyler) Armstead with their children Austin & Alyssa; sisters-in-law Gretchen Curtiss and Christine Curtiss and her daughter Adrienne (Drew) Jackson; brother-in-law Carl & Linda Curtiss with their children Shelley (Dave) Schmitt & family, Carrie (Ben) Davis & family, and Dan (Anita) Curtiss & family.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his brother David Roy Arbaugh, II; cousin Ken McCally; and parents-in-law Dr. C. F. Curtiss and Jean Curtiss.

His family will receive friends Monday, January 22, 2018 from 3 to 8 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where a funeral service honoring Steve’s life will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday and Pastor Bill Heaton will speak.

Contributions in Steve’s memory will benefit Lexington High School; check back for the name of the fund, which will be determined shortly.

Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Steve’s family and encourage you to share a memory and watch his tribute video at SnyderFuneralHomes.com

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