Donald Lee Arnold

      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.
      Donald spent much of his life in Southeast Missouri. He also lived in Rockford, Illinois where he was a line worker at Rockford Clutch and Atwood Companies. Donald spent much of his life working as a carpenter. He single handedly built several homes and painted and remodeled many more. Donald enjoyed working outdoors and shared the love of gardening with his wife. Since he was a young boy, he liked building things with his hands. His children, grandchildren, and those around him loved his sense of humor. He was very quick witted and loved to make others laugh.
     Donald married Joyce Marie Vails on February 3, 1945, in Piggott, Arkansas, and remained married until her passing on April 22, 1989.            
     Donald 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;  two brothers, Leland Orman and Carl Arnold; two sisters, Learlean Carroll and Mary Gipson.
     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.
     Private graveside service 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.
     In lieu of flowers the family requests you make a donation in their dad's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Southeast Missouri Foodbank.
                                                                         Watkins And Sons Funeral Service

                                                        info@watkinsfuneralhome.com of phone 573-624-3548