Arnold Lee Cirtin passed away on January 3, 2013, after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 81. The visitation will be Monday, January 7 at 12 noon, with the funeral following at 1:00 pm, at the Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 E. Seminole, Springfield. Reverend Charles Arsenault, Lead Pastor of Evangel Temple where Arnold attended will be officiating.
Arnold was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, on February 19, 1931. His education included an A.B., Indiana State University, 1959; M.B.A., California State University, Long Beach, 1967; and a Ph.D., University of Cincinnati, 1974. He was a Certified Public Accountant with privileges in California and Indiana. After his wife, Betty and his family, his next great love was teaching. Arnold was a Professor of Accounting at Ball State University for thirty years and looked forward to going to work every day. He was once asked why he wanted to be a professor, to which he replied, “…as an accountant I am able to influence others in the area of professional ethics and morality, but the opportunity is limited. As a professor, I will be able to influence many more.” Following his retirement from Ball State, Arnold taught at California Baptist University, Riverside, CA; American River College, Sacramento, CA; and Sierra College, Rocklin, CA.
In addition to his teaching, Arnold was a published author. His books include Basic Principles for Growing Churches; Principles of Accounting Study Guide; “Financial Statements,” Chapter 11 of Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations. He also published numerous articles in several professional publications, such as, National Public Accountant, Government Finance Review, Business and Tax Planning Quarterly, The Internal Auditor, The CPA Journal, Management Review, and Journal of Accountancy.
In May of 1989, Governor Evan Bayh appointed him as Sagamore of the Wabash for his service on a volunteer task force serving his administration for the purpose of reducing the costs of government without reducing services.
Arnold was involved in Light for the Lost, a men’s ministry program through the Assemblies of God, serving as the Indiana District Director for many years. In his spare time, Arnold was an avid reader and a lover of both Classical and Southern Gospel Quartet music.
Arnold is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty Cirtin, his daughter Mary Cirtin Fermi (Steven), San Francisco; sons Thomas Cirtin of Indiana; Robert Cirtin (Brenda) of Springfield, and David Cirtin of St. Louis; grandchildren Nevin Cirtin; Daniel and Michael Fermi; Angela Cirtin and Jennifer Perryman (Adam); and great grandchildren Wyatt, Aiden, and Lauryn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice, in honor of Arnold Cirtin; or Evangel University, “Student Scholarship in the name of Arnold Cirtin”.