Gary D. Arnold Sr., 81, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, Indiana, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on October 29, 1938 in Wabash County, Illinois, the son of Douglas and Viola (Hinderliter) Arnold.
He married Mary Jo Struble on July 24, 1958 and together they have celebrated sixty-two years of marriage. The two of them had a very close relationship, and were seldom seen one without the other.
Gary faithfully served his country in the United States Army. He was a valued member of the local Military Honor Guard, participating in many services for his fellow veterans. He was instrumental in forming the new guard which is now called USAMV and helped to fund the new uniforms for the veterans to wear. He also spearheaded the development of Veterans Park at 3rd and Market Streets in Mt. Carmel. Gary and his family voluntarily organized the 4th of July parade for many years. He greatly enjoyed this patriotic event and worked very hard to see that it was a success each year. Gary was adamant in supporting and helping local businesses. He was an added asset to the Jones family at Mt. Carmel Rural King during their customer appreciation days.
Gary retired from Mt. Carmel Public Utility Company after forty-two years of service. He was a 1957 graduate of Mt. Carmel High School, a member of the Fraternal Orders of the Elks, the Eagles and a lifetime member of the American Legion.
Gary was a member of Hope Lutheran Church. In his spare time Gary enjoyed a good game of golf and was also an avid NASCAR fan. His creative hobbies included painting rocks and making crosses. He enjoyed taking a ride around the countryside and working in his yard. Gary and Mary Jo enjoyed traveling. Their favorite places to visit were Pigeon Forge, TN and the Kentucky Lake area.
Gary loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren “To the Moon and Back”. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and his family cherished his love and leadership. He was a valued member of the community, was loved and respected by many and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Gary leaves behind his loving wife, Mary Jo; daughter, Gerri Dodson and husband Steve; son, Gary Arnold Jr. and wife Sabrina; grandchildren, Ryan (Jen) Weir, Doug (Elanie) Arnold, Dustin (Krista) Hatton, Brant Arnold, Beth Anne Hatton and her special friend Amanda; great-grandchildren, Ty Craig, Jacie Arnold, Kyle Weir, Dylan Weir, Elcie Arnold and Ezra Hatton; sisters, Donna Sue Price and Audrey (Larry) Tice; several nieces and nephews.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Ronald Arnold.
Family and friends are invited to a Drive-Thru Visitation, from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 25, 2020 at Keepes Funeral Home. Please use the north driveway entrance. Funeral Services will be at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, October 25, 2020 in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. Social distancing practices will be in place and face coverings are required. Immediately following the Funeral Service, Full Military Honors will be held at Keepes Funeral Home.
Cremation Rites will then take place and burial will be at a later date at Highland Memorial Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Gary’s memory to USAMV and will be accepted at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements.
To view Gary’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Arnold family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
