Donald Lee Arnold of Puxico, Missouri, son of the late Benjamin Franklin and Izetta (Orman)  Arnold was born on May 15, 1926, in Gideon, Missouri, and passed from this life on June 7, 2023, in Dexter, Missouri, at the age of 97.

He  lived in southeast Missouri a majority of his life. He also lived in Rockford, Illinois working on a automotive line for the Rockford Clutch Company.  He was of the Baptist Faith, enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, woodworking, building things with his hands all the while being known as a practical joker. Donald liked to travel, never met a stranger and truly enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and spoiling his grandchildren.

Donald married Joyce Marie Vails on February 3, 1945, in Piggott, Arkansas, and remained married until her passing on April 22, 1989.            

He is survived by two sons, Donald (Sue) Arnold Jr. of Rockford, Illinois; Ben (Sherry) Arnold of Kansas City, Missouri; five daughters, Ginger (Doug) Holloway of Puxico, Missouri; Sharon (Nick) Pawelko of Rockford, Illinois; Debbie (Vic) Tartaglia of Rockford, Illinois; Sheila (Keith) Parks of Rochester, Minnesota; and Joyce (Mike) Renaud of Cape Girardeau; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; a close personal friend, his cat Newt;  as well a host of family and friends. 

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; his wife;  one brother, Lee Orman; and two sisters, Learlean Carroll and Mary Gibson.

Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00  P.M. on Monday, June 12, 2023, with the funeral service to follow at the Watkins And Sons Funeral Chapel In Puxico, Missouri, with Brother Krag Runzie of Puxico officiating.

Interment will follow at the Bollinger County Memorial Park Cemetery in Marble Hill, Missouri, with Watkins And Sons Funeral Service of Dexter in charge of arrangements.