Phillip E Arnold

He was born December 8, 1923 in Glasford to Ruth Arnold.  He was raised by his grandparents, Sadie and Edward "Blooch" Arnold.  He married Lois Bohlander on September 14, 1947 in a double ceremony with Charles and JoAnn Bussone at the Chanute Airforce Base in Rantoul, Illinois.  She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Jill (Stan) McBroom of Mapleton and Jodi "Gavra Lynn" Arnold of Bartonville; two sons, Jack Phillip (Mary) Arnold of Peoria and Rev. Jayme "Jay" (Jill) Arnold of Pekin; six granddaughters; five grandsons; and nine great-grandchildren.

Phillip had served his country during World War II in the United States Army and later in the United States Air Force as staff sergeant.

He was a member of The Cross Baptist Church in Pekin, where his son, Jay serves as pastor.  He was a former member of the United Methodist Church in Glasford.

He had worked for Keystone Steel & Wire Company in Bartonville for over 30 years, retiring in 1986.

He was a talented musician, playing many instruments in many different local bands.  He also was a talented painter.  He enjoyed spending every morning having coffee with his friends.  His family will remember his great sense of humor that endured even through his illness.  Above all, he was a wonderful and loving husband, father and grandfather.

He had been a member of the Glasford American Legion Post 35, where he had also been a member of their funeral honors team.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday, July 9, 2012 at The Cross Baptist Church in Pekin.  Pastor Jay Arnold and Pastor Scott Baker will officiate.  Visitation will be 30 minutes prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.  Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  Military honors will be provided by the Glasford American Legion.  The family invites you to share in a celebration of life reception at the church between 5 and 7 p.m. Monday.

Memorial contributions may be given to his church, 4201 Edgewater Dr. Pekin, IL 61554.