Francis C. Arnold, loving father and husband, died peacefully Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Altercare Summit Acres in Caldwell at the age of 89. He was born February 3, 1934, in Caldwell, the eldest son of the late Beda Francis and Marie Freda Coleman Arnold. Francis was a graduate of Dexter City High School. He enlisted in the United States Army and served in Alaska and Washington, D.C. He returned to Caldwell and began work at the Clevite plant, a job he would hold until his retirement after serving for over 30 years. He was a quick, kind, and caring man who was very involved with his children. An avid reader, he was committed to lifelong curiosity and learning, with interests in history and politics. He was a passionate fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, and The Ohio State Buckeyes. He was a member of the Moose and VFW and was also involved in the Boy Scouts while his sons were participating. He also served as an Olive Twp. Trustee for over 20 years.
On April 7, 1961, he married his love, Norma Jean Snider, with whom he shared his life for 59 years, until her passing on January 14, 2021. In addition to his wife and his parents, he is preceded in death by his sons, Matthew F. Arnold and John J. Arnold; sisters, Osolene Saling, Bernetta Barrett, Leona Benner, and Evelyn Willmer; and brothers Harold, James, and Roger Arnold.
Carrying his memory in their hearts are his children, Alan E. Arnold of Cheyanne, Wyoming and daughter Lorena R. “Lorie” Harrison of Thomasville, North Carolina; 5 grandchildren, Keith (Michelle) Showalter, Derek Arnold, Emily Harrison, Anna Strawsburg, and Dustin Strawsburg; 2 great-grandchildren, Madison Harrison, Amelia Strawsburg, and a baby soon to be born; his siblings, Kenneth “Jake” Arnold of Caldwell, Rose (Marlin) Hedge of Cumberland, Melvin (Carolyn) Arnold of Zanesville; Shirley Carna of Cambridge, Donna (Kenneth) Crock of Cleveland, and Ronald (Diana) Arnold of Zanesville; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life service will be observed Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 7PM at McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell, where a veteran’s service will be conducted by the Noble County Veteran Service Organizations. Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. The Arnold family would like to offer special thanks to the caregivers at Altercare Summit Acres and Amedisys Hospice for their care.
