Ronald Alan Arnold

Ronald Alan Arnold, 66, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, MO. He was born on August 9, 1957, in Warsaw, NY, the son of LaVerne Floyd Arnold, who preceded him in death, and Carol Lillian (Rice) Arnold, who resides in Hume, NY.

On March 26, 1983, in Hume, NY, he was united in marriage to Pamela Kay Brooks, who resides in the home.

In addition to his wife and mother, Ron is survived by his son and daughter, Christopher and Jessica Arnold; a brother, Jon Arnold (Eileen) of Buffalo, NY; a sister, Laureen Howden (Marty) of Hume, NY; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

As a young boy Ron's hobbies included climbing trees, fishing and squirrel hunting. Later, he developed an attraction to a more risky lifestyle and moved on to body surfing in the Atlantic Ocean and exceeding the posted speed limit in his dad's car while the neighbors watched in terror. He graduated from Fillmore High School and went on to receive a four-year degree from Houghton College.

Shortly after his marriage to Pam, he would complete Officer Training School with the United States Air Force and became known as Captain Ronbo. He served his country honorably during the Gulf War in his capacity as a bomb squadron navigator and went on to finish his military career at Whiteman Air Force Base. From there he became a small business owner for a number of years and eventually retired in 2019 from General Cable due to ongoing health complications. He worked hard to provide for his family, which extended beyond his wife and children. He didn't know a stranger and was a friend and father figure to many. He gave generously of his time and energy for the benefit of others.

Ron was a longtime member of New Hope Baptist Church in Sedalia, Missouri. Over the years he directed the choir, played various instruments on the praise team, and taught Sunday school. He loved serving the Lord with his beloved wife and his brothers and sisters at New Hope and did so until he became a citizen of Heaven. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by so many who were on the receiving end of his love.

His family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the friends who became family and the family who became friends while they navigated Ron's complex medical journey.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at New Hope Baptist Church; 664 East 16th Street, Sedalia, Missouri, at 11:00 a.m.

The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the start of services. Military honors ceremony and meal to follow. All are invited to attend.

Honorary bearers are James Stevens, Steve Pocock, Dan Ries, Bernard Fancher, Brian Haines, Brian Whorton, Michael Nelson, Tommy Durrill, and Bill (Doc) Vance.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.