John Arley Price

John "Arley" Price Sr., 79, of Terre Haute passed away peacefully at 8:15 a.m. Wednesday March 15, 2017 in Westminister Village at Terre Haute. He was born November 12, 1937 in Vigo County, IN to John C. Price and Nellie M. Sullivan Price. His wife, Patricia Jayne Sullivan Price whom he married on August 15, 1958 in Carbondale, IL preceded him in death on July 18, 2003. Arley is survived by his seven children: John Arley Price II (Jo-ann) of Terre Haute, Dixie Whalen of Toledo, OH, Penny Chrisman of Indianapolis, IN, Melody Lunsford (Mike) of Brazil, IN, Vince Price (Sandra) of Long Beach, CA, Donald P. Price (Angie) of Terre Haute, and Julie Bunch (Eddie) of Terre Haute; twenty three grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; a brother Ben Price (Rita); a sister Betty Kennedy (Dick); and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; seven sisters; and one brother. Arley began playing music in 1951 with the Wabash Valley Troubadors, and the Highlanders. Arley and several friends formed the nationally acclaimed group, The Five Chords in Terre Haute. Shortly after forming the group, he joined and served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his service in the USMC, The Five Chords toured the U.S. and Canada before touring with the U.S.O throughout the Far East in 1960. Arley also led several bands including: The Country Sounds, The Price Tags Family Band, The Nashville Rejects, Don Price and the Nashville Rejects, Band Of Gold, Big Daddy's of Dixieland, Big Daddy's Band of Gold and Arley Price and Friends. He was a member of several groups over the years including: The Salvation Army, The Shrine Drum and Bugle Corps, Vigo County Veteran's Council, DAV, VA volunteer driver, Shrine hospital van driver, the city of Terre Haute Annual Events Emcee, and a mentor, teacher, and model to musicians for over sixty years. Even in failing health he continued playing music but focused on those in the same facilities which he needed to be in these last years and could not get out to hear music. He was the last living founding member of the Wabash Valley Musician's Hall of Fame. He received the Alvie Grindle Lifetime Achievement Award for serving as a mentor in helping others get started in the field of music. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday in the Salvation Army Church, 234 S. 8th St., Terre Haute, IN 47807, with Captain Cindy Hoag officiating. Burial will be in Bethesda Memorial Park with military graveside rites by the Vigo County Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. until service time Saturday in the church. Care and arrangements have been entrusted to Fitzpatrick Funeral Home.