In loving memory of

Arnold Melvin DeJaynes
January 24, 1924 - April 15, 2017

Arnold Melvin DeJaynes, 93, of New London, died Saturday, April 15, 2017, at New London Specialty Care. He was born January 24, 1924 in Augusta, Iowa, to Glendon and Goldie Millizer DeJaynes. He married Evaleen Cochran; they later divorced. In 1983 he married Margaret Wells Layer.
He owned and operated DeJaynes Jewelers in New London and Mt. Pleasant.
He attended Tama Country School through 8th grade and graduated from Burlington High School in 1942. He was a member of New London Christian Church; a lifetime member of the VFW, and a former member of the New London Chamber of Commerce where he served as President. Mr. DeJaynes served in the Navy and was stationed in the South Pacific during WW2.
He was an inventor, holding ten patents. He repaired violins and loved music. He was especially proud of his domino exhibit. During high school, he started boxing and was on the boxing team in the navy. Arnold was a significant part of starting the Honor Tour.
Besides his wife of New London, he is survived by one daughter, Denise Esther DeJaynes of New London; one stepson, Ron (Cathryn) Layer of New London; two stepdaughters, Terry Fisher of Mt. Pleasant and Hazel (Jerry) Lewis of St. Paul, MN.; one granddaughter, Rachael DeJaynes of New London; step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; three brothers, Paul (Janene) DeJaynes of Mt. Pleasant, Gary (Roberta) DeJaynes of Burlington, and Chalmer (Clarice) DeJaynes of Janesville, Wisconsin; one sister, JoAnn (Lowell) Whisler of Altoona and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Glenda Steele.
The memorial service for Mr. Arnold M. DeJaynes, will be held at 1:30 p.m., April 26th at Elliott Chapel, New London. Pastor Rod Cooper will officiate with military rites by the Henry County Honor Guard. Visitation will begin after 9:00 a.m. on April 26th and the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. According to his wishes his body has been cremated and inurnment will be held at a later date in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, rural Mt. Pleasant. A memorial has been established.

Tributes

Wanda Day wrote on Apr 18, 2017:

"Bless his heart! Arnold may you Rest In Peace!! You was a wonderful man. I remember the day in 1974 when I met you. I homework you was a very honest person plus kind!! Did bussness with you until you retired!! You will be missed by so many people!! I pray for your family and send many hugs. God be with you"

Carol Stebbins Hildreth wrote on Apr 18, 2017:

"Prayers to your family. I remember all the times looking and wishing and sometimes buying from Arnold. I still have the jewelry. He was a special person. Sorry for you loss."

Debi & Bob Roederer wrote on Apr 17, 2017:

"I remember going to his jewelry store from the time I was in college in the early 70's. By the time I was engaged, he designed my wedding set to include yellow and white gold -- AND let me put it on hold until my husband of 38 years proposed, lol. What a kind man with a romantic heart."

Kristi Lounsbury Lombard wrote on Apr 17, 2017:

"I can remember going to the jewelry store in Mt. Pleasant when I was a young girl."

Patti Hausner Sliger wrote on Apr 17, 2017:

"Arnold was a very kind and good man. He did a great deal in promoting New London. We wish to extend our sympathy to his family and we're proud to have called him our friend. Rest In Peace, Arnold. Paul & Patti Sliger "