MANSFIELD, Ohio–Jack B. Arlen, Jr. passed away last week. In an obituary published April 7, the Daytona Beach News Journal noted: Jack B. Arlen Jr., 79, Ormond Beach, an Air Force veteran and former music teacher, died Thursday (April 2, 2015).
For many residents of Galion, Arlen left a legacy.
Jack B. Arlen was recognized as an outstanding faculty manager of the Galion City Schools in October 2011.
He served as the school’s band director from 1966 to 1987, and prior to joining the faculty at Galion, he taught at Pandora-Gilboa for five years, according to the biography for his award.
He graduated with a degree in music from The Ohio State University and was a member of the OSU Marching Band. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree from Bowling Green State University in 1965, and a Specialist Degree in Educational Administration in 1969. He was an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi, a national band fraternity.
For his 2011 award from the Galion schools, Arlen was nominated by a group of students and was described as a very goal-oriented leader who inspired those around him. The article citing his award read:
“His band was known as ‘Arlen’s Army’ with students and alumni proudly marching under his leadership. During his innovative career, Mr. Arlen secured over $70,000 in donations and grants to establish an All Brass Band, started the first Jazz Band, and traveled extensively with the Galion band to events like the Indy 500, the American Legion National Convention, and State Fair competitions. Galion was also the feature band at the NFL Hall of Fame Game between the Cleveland Browns and The Minnesota Vikings in Canton, Ohio. In reflecting on his career, Mr. Arlen stated, “My favorite performance was the alumni band half-time show at Galion when we performed the 1812 Overture with the 125 piece Tiger Marching Band, 175 alumni band members and cannons furnished by the Marion Army National Guard.”
Arlen also served in the United States Air Force as the Public Affairs Officer for the Mansfield 179th Fighter/Airlift group for 17 years, and as the Public Affairs Officer for the Ohio National Guard in Columbus, for fie years. He was named Outstanding Public Affairs Officer for the State of Ohio and retired as a lieutenant colonel.
Arlen was a member of the Galion Jaycees and the Galion Kiwanis Club. He also served for a number of years as Chair for the Toys for Tots Program. He and his wife, Carol, have three sons: Steve, David, and Douglas.
