The Washington Municipal Band (WMB) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Arnel McNamar (Baughman), a beloved and devoted member. As the acclaimed first flute/piccolo musician, Arnel had a remarkable 40-year musical career with the band. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and skill had a lasting impression on the WMB’s musical legacy and on the community at large.
Tuesday, January 30th is the date of the visitation at Jones-Eden Funeral Home in remembrance of Arnel. From 5:00 to 7:00 PM, representatives of the family will be available to accept condolences and share memories.
This will provide the community a chance to rally behind the family. Now is the time to honor the memory of a great friend and musician. Washington, Iowa’s United Presbyterian Church will host the funeral on Wednesday, January 31st at 11:00 AM.
The purpose of this melancholy event is to honor Arnel’s life and work by paying respect to her and the many ways she enriched the WMB and the music industry. Friends and family will be able to gather for lunch after the service to remember and celebrate Arnel, share stories, and find comfort in each other’s company.
A memorial contribution to the Washington Municipal Band or Hospice of Washington County would be greatly appreciated by those who wish to convey their sympathies in place of flowers, as respectfully asked by the family. By supporting causes dear to Arnel’s heart, this generous act guarantees that her legacy will live on.
The loss of Arnel McNamar has been devastating to the Washington Municipal Band, but they are grateful for the peace and happiness she provided to their ensemble. The music the band plays in her honor will remind us of her, and the people lucky enough to have known her will carry her legacy with them forever.
In this time of shared grief, the WMB community comes together to celebrate a life lived through music and the connections formed through its universal language.
