Obituary: Putnam, Arthur D. “Art”

Wed., April 20, 2016

PUTNAM,
Arthur D.
“Art”
(Age 79)

Entered into rest on April 16, 2016 in Spokane, WA.

Born in Shenandoah, Iowa, Art attended local schools and joined the US Air Force in 1955.

He went through Basic Training at Parks AB, CA, completing Air Base Defense (AFD) course work in August 1955, graduating as an Air Policeman.

He was then stationed at Chambley AB France.

There he performed Flight Security with F-86 Fighters on the flight line.

He also performed Town Patrol alongside US Army Military Police for Metz, France.

Afterwards he was stationed at Walker AFB, New Mexico and then Portland AFB, OR, where he requested to be retrained into the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI).

After completing that training, he was stationed at Fairchild AFB, WA and then at Glasgow AFB, MT.

In 1967, while stationed at Glasgow AFB, he was sent to Washington DC to attend the OSI Counterintelligence-Counterespionage Course.

Art was then transferred to Takhli RTAB, Thailand.

While in Thailand, he primarily worked with the Thai Air Force counterparts on an area source program to maintain security around the Air Base.

He conducted numerous investigations involving theft, homicide, and sabotage.

Upon returning to the States, he was then reassigned to Fairchild AFB.

During his service with the OSI, Art performed background investigations on Air Force personnel for security clearances; investigations into theft of government property, pay and allowances, attempted suicide, homicides, counterfeiting, fraud, and counter intelligence matters.

He was proud of his Military service and especially his assignments with OSI.

During his service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal with 2 BrLps; Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 3 OLC; Air Force Commendation Medal; and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Following his military service, Art worked for the US Postal Service as a carrier.

He was also proud of his affiliations with the Masonic family.

To name a few of the service organizations to which he devoted his time, would include: Member and Past Master of North Hill Lodge #210; Past Deputy of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington; Member and three time Past Patron of Spokane Chapter OES; Member and 32nd KCCH recipient of Spokane Valley Scottish Rite Bodies; El Katif Shriners, North Spokane Shrine Club, Provost Guard; Member, Past Monarch, and Past President of the NW Grotto Association of M.O.V.P.E.R.

, Sadir Khan Grotto, where he held numerous offices including Dr. of Smiles for many years.

Art was a man of service.

Art is survived by his wife, Lola at their family home; three sons, Doyle of Ford, WA, Arthur and Kim of Moyie Springs, ID, and Casey Putnam of Spokane; a sister, Frances DeLozier of San Bernardino, CA; a sister-in-law, Joyce Sauer of Reno, NV; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Stuart (2003), three sisters, and one brother.

Viewing will be possible on Wednesday, (today), between the hours of 9 AM and 8 PM and also on Thursday between 9 AM and 4 PM at Riplinger Funeral Home.

Funeral service with Rose Croix participation will be held on Friday, April 22, 2016 at 1:00 PM at RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME, N. 4305 Division, Spokane, WA , with Minister Shawn Moore officiating.

Following the service, Military and Masonic honors will continue at Graveside at Greenwood Memorial Terrace Cemetery.