Donald Dean Arney

Donald Dean Arney

November 22, 1953 - April 23, 2021 

Donald Dean Arney, 67, of Terre Haute, passed away Friday, April 23, 2021, at 11:37 p.m. in his residence due to an aggressive form of cancer. He was born on November 22, 1953 as a fraternal twin with his sister Donetta at St. Anthony’s Hospital of Terre Haute to Betty Jean Goodwin Eyler and Orin Arney.

Don graduated from Wiley High School and soon joined the US Navy in 1971, flying reconnaissance missions on the Orion P-3. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from Ivy Tech, and subsequently a MS from Indiana State University in Industrial Technology.

Don had a lengthy career at Ivy Tech (1983-2011) culminating as Dean of School of Technology, and Executive Director of Campus Instructional Technology.  He was instrumental in deployment of the college’s online education program and supported many other higher education institutions in creating their own online curricula.

In his retirement, Don resumed his true passion of producing music with many talented musicians under his label Quantum Productions. Running a music studio from his home, he recorded numerous albums, and supported musicians in their performances around the region. Within the music community, Don was renowned for donating his time and effort free of charge to facilitate musicians in delivering their art to audiences.

In addition to his passion for music, Don also loved fishing, hunting, barbecuing, antiquing, reading, and supporting the arts. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, his older brother David, and baby sister Jo Ellen Arney.

He is survived by his son Alan, Alan’s partner Zarina Sullivan and their son Zaal; his daughter Alyssa and her partner Jeffrey Dolle; and his devoted and beloved partner Kim Schwibbe of the last 8 wonderful years; his 3 brothers Jerry Arney, Charles Goodwin, Carl Goodwin; his 2 sisters Donetta West and Laurie Tharp; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; and his loyal companions Lucy the Pekingese and Seymour the tabby cat.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, his family has decided to postpone a memorial service until a later date. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family ask that you make donations to Art Spaces or the Swope Art Museum. And please support local musicians by attending their shows and buying their merchandise.

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