He was a 1940 graduate of Mason City, Illinois High School, and later graduated from Machinists School in Toldeo, Ohio. He had farmed near Petersburg, Illinois and later worked for the Illinois Department of Corrections, first for the Illinois Youth Commission in Petersburg and Marseilles, Illinois, and later for the prison in Sheridan, Illinois. He retired in 1984. In 1986, he moved to Lomax, IL., where he sharpened tools and saws in his shop. He was a 4-H Club leader and loved working with kids. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping, and was a member of the Lomax Christian Church.

Survivors include 2 sons - Mike Arnold of Stronghurst ( and friend Irene Kinney of West Burlington, IA)., Andy (and Mary Ann) Arnold of Marseilles, IL., 2 daughters- Lorna (and Bud) Boston and Janice Arnold (and friend Bob Volk) all of Greenview, IL., a son in law- Max Heidrick of Danville, IL., 13 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, one sister - Waunda (and Ken) Nessler of Phoenix, AZ., and one brother - Howard Arnold of Mason City, IL.

Besides hid first wife, Eileen, he was preceded in death by one daughter - Kathie Heidrick, two sisters and three brothers.