Norman Wayne Arnold, 83, of Blue Springs, MO passed away Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at the Villages of Jackson Creek. Norman will be greatly missed by his entire family. He was the rock on which the family was built. They are so thankful to know that he has gone to his eternal home to be with his Lord and Savior. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, MO. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Burial in Valley Memorial Gardens, Grain Valley, MO.
He was preceded in death by his father Glin T. Arnold, his mother Dora Theil, his brother Don Arnold, and granddaughter Becky Arnold. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ardythe, his son Jack (Lori) Arnold, and daughters Tammy (Dave) Rauzi, Vicky (Brian) Wilson, Andrea Mullins, and his sisters Glenis (Richard) Behee and Kathy (David) Devore. Norman was the grandfather to 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Norman was a man of great faith who let the love of Jesus flow through him. He served his Savior by loving, caring for, and serving others. He led his family and friends by the example he set. He loved to sing and worship, and joyfully sang in the church choir. Norman was a member of the Nazarene church for 54 years, most recently of the Blue Springs First Church of the Nazarene for nearly 40 years.
Norman lived life to the fullest and was full of adventure. He was known for being able to make people laugh and smile! There wasn’t a person with whom he couldn’t find something to talk about. He enjoyed playing sports, and golf quickly became his favorite. He would make it out to the golf course even if it was freezing and he had to wear coveralls. He enjoyed traveling and took his family on many trips across the country from one coast to the other. He traveled across Europe not only in the Army, but also with his wife for their 25th anniversary. He enjoyed many beach vacations with his children and grandchildren and spent time boating and being on the beach with them. He was an avid card player and loved to get together with his friends and family to play games weekly. His competitive spirit was admired by all.
Norman very proudly served in the Army and was awarded a medal for good conduct, as well as badges for being a Sharpshooter on the rifle, an Expert shooter on the Browning Automatic Rifle, and for being a Parachutist. He was a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division and the 505th Airborne Infantry Regiment. He served in Germany and Beruit, Lebanon.
Norman worked as a cement salesman for MO Portland Cement Company which later became LaFarge for 40 years. He met many wonderful friends over his years there who he remained close to.
Norman was a very loving and devoted husband to his wife Ardythe who he cherished. Nothing made him happier than to see her happy. He was a guiding, encouraging, and doting father who taught his children how to be Christ-like. He absolutely loved his grandchildren. He spent many hours poolside watching them swim, he loved playing video games with them, and wrestling around and arm wrestling them. He was a very involved grandpa and spent many years helping to get grandchildren to practices, church, and all of their activities. He taught all of his children and grandchildren how to have a nice firm handshake, put peanut butter on their pancakes, and most importantly gave them an example of how to love and serve Christ.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441