Keith Arlo Wolfenbarger, M.D.

Minnesott Beach, NC.
Keith Arlo Wolfenbarger, M.D., September 2, 1927 – October 12, 2013, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy H. Wolfenbarger, his parents, Hoyt and Laura Salyor Wolfenbarger, his sister, Carolie W. Hoffman, and his son-in-law, Thomas G. Dugan.
He is survived by his three daughters, Bellvia H. W. “Missy” Baskervill and husband, Robert D., of Arapahoe, NC, Laura Saylor Wolfenbarger Dugan of Oriental, NC, and Jane W. Emmart and husband, Mark, of Wilmington, NC; two granddaughters, Saylor and Kathryn Emmart, of Wilmington, NC; one nephew, Kevin McKeeman of Abilene, KS; and three step-children, Susan Brunell, Bert Brunell and Anne Bitter.
Dr. Wolfenbarger knew he wanted to be a medical doctor at the early age of 13 and graduated from the University of Kansas Medical School in 1958. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity during his college years and was later inducted as a member of The Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society, (Prof. Honorary), and Phi Chi Fraternity, (Prof. Honorary). During work on his PHD, in entomology, he performed research for the US Navy in acarology where he discovered several new species of Trombiculidae.
“Wolfie” practiced medicine until he was 75-years old but maintained a very active life in addition to his medical practice. He owned and operated a ranch in Northern New Mexico, built and operated a 150 slip marina in Eastern, NC, and enjoyed flying his private planes around North and South America, as well as sailing his boats along the southeastern Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico.
Coming from a long line of farmers, he himself was a farmer at heart. He loved the soil and the land, a love that undoubtedly stemmed from his Native American Heritage. He greatly respected and loved animals and had a special place in his heart for the most innocent and helpless of God’s Creatures.
“Wolfie” was a survivor. This characteristic was most evident after a brush with death in 1980 when he was lost at sea for 14 days on a life raft with no food and little water. He fought for his life so that he would be here to care for his family and others. He is greatly loved by his family and will be sorely missed by those who knew him.
The Wolfenbarger family would like to give special thanks to Cynthia Gregg, Karen Dixon, and Eudora Rose, for the loving care they provided to Dr. Keith, in his home, during the last months of his life.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 21st at Arapahoe United Methodist Church with the Rev. Penny Dollar Farmer officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family suggested memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Pamlico, 11146 NC Hwy 55, Grantsboro, NC 28529, Arapahoe United Methodist Church, PO Box 25, Arapahoe, NC 28510, or Pamlico County Rescue Squad, PO Box 302, Bayboro, NC 28515.
Online condolences to the family may be made at bryantfuneralhome andcrematory.com. Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home & Crematory, Alliance, NC. Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.