Jackie Dearl Arnold

Jackie (Jack) Arnold, a beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on June 2, 2026. Born on May 30, 1942, in Flint, Michigan, Jack’s life was a testament to love, laughter, and dedication. Jack attended Kearsley High School, graduating with the Class of 1961. He played football, basketball, and ran track. He held the state record in pole vaulting for many years and, as an 8th grader, had made it onto the varsity football team. Jack served honorably in the United States Air Force as a jet aircraft mechanic from 1962 to 1965. Later, he served in Vietnam, working with the K-9 unit. Jack worked for Consumers Power Company for 32 years, starting as a meter reader, working his way up to becoming a gas serviceman and, eventually, an industrial supervisor. While working as a gas serviceman, he saved several lives, going into house fires and helping people to safety since he was often the first on the scene. Jack retired from Consumers Power Company in 1997, then later worked for Home Depot for 18 years from 2008 to the present. On June 17, 1978, he married the love of his life, Elaine. They had a wonderful and loving marriage for 47 years. In 2001, they adopted their daughter, Alaina, from China. Jack was a devoted husband and father, and he loved his daughter Alaina with all his heart. She was his whole world, and he was very proud of her and all her accomplishments. Besides his family, Jack loved sports. In his younger years, he played semi-pro football, rugby, and then golf. He played hockey for many years and was a goalie for the 50 & Over League, winning many championships. One of his favorite sports in retirement was bowling, leading him to open his own bowling pro shop where he drilled and customized bowling equipment. He also loved custom cars and building street rods, training dogs, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles. He coached and mentored for the youth programs at the Neosho Recreation Center, where everyone loved him. Some of his daughter Alaina’s favorite memories of her dad were of playing catch with him, riding around next to him on the tractor, getting sneaky sips of Dr. Pepper on the front porch, and sitting on the arm of his recliner chair while he told stories of how he won her most treasured stuffed animals out of the claw machines at the bowling alley. Elaine’s favorite memories of her husband include riding around in the T-bucket, going through the A&W Restaurant drive-thrus together, venturing out on late-night Coney Island hot dog runs with him, and riding on the back of his motorcycle up north. He is also remembered for his love of ice cream and milkshakes, Filet-O-Fish, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and York Peppermint Patties. In his younger years, he could take down multiple plates of all-you-can-eat shrimp. Jack was a jokester who loved making people laugh. He never passed by someone who needed help, and he always spoke his mind and stood up for others. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Elaine Arnold, his loving daughter Alaina Arnold and her fiancé Lane, sister Carol Moore, and lots of extended family and friends who were greatly loved and impactful to his life. Jack was preceded in death by his parents Corabell (Rodgers) and Bobby Arnold, step-father Hugh Hendrix, grandmother Irene Cline, and brother Danny Arnold. Jack was a loving and kind man. He loved his family more than anything. He will be greatly missed by many. His humor and stories will never be forgotten. Honoring his wishes, cremation will take place. A memorial service to celebrate Jack’s life will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, a cause near to Jack’s heart.

Jackie Dearl Arnold

May 30, 1942 - June 2, 2026