Don Arni

1951 - 2022

Don Arni 1951 - 2022 Donald Wayne Arni, 71, of Glasgow, passed into the arms of his Savior on Monday, September 19, 2022, at Glasgow Gardens. Don was born on April 12, 1951, in Marshall, Missouri, the son of Rufus Eddy Arni Jr. and Dorothy (Mackler) Arni. Don spent his life loving and serving his family, his students at Glasgow High School and the Missouri Scholars Academy, his church family at Glasgow First Baptist, and his community, by which he honored and served the Savior he professed as a young boy and followed for the rest of his life. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Mizzou Tigers, was energized by games, puzzles, and puns, and enjoyed sharing his passion with his children, grandchildren, and students. Don graduated from Sweet Springs High School in 1969 and earned a B. S. degree in Physics from the University of Missouri in 1973 and an MEd. in Curriculum and Instruction from MU in 1981. He taught at Glasgow High School for nearly 40 years, teaching math and physics, coaching Quiz Bowl, and preparing his students for math, engineering, and computer contests throughout the state. He joined the faculty of the Missouri Scholars Academy in 1987 and taught there on the campus of the University of Missouri for 20 summers. Don married his high school sweetheart, Sherry Stober, on August 19, 1972. Together, they formed a marriage that thrived for 50 years and were blessed with four sons and later added daughters-in-law and four grandchildren. Being surrounded by his family and sharing his love and passions with them gave Don the greatest joy. Don and Sherry were a team in every way, at home, at school, at church, and in the community. Don and Sherry found their church home at Glasgow First Baptist. Don was ordained as a deacon in 1981, an office in which he served faithfully until his death. He was a member of the Boonslick Gideon camp and was honored to present Bibles to students at schools in Howard County for many years. He conducted worship services once a month at Glasgow Gardens for several years and considered that privilege an honor and joy. His faith permeated every part of his life. Don served on the Howard County 911 Board of Directors for 25 years, a responsibility he valued greatly. Don is survived by his wife, Sherry, of the home; sons Dominic (Sarah) of Falls Church, Virginia; Patrick, Nathaniel (Wendy), and Adam (Meghan) of Columbia, Missouri; and four grandchildren, Jack, Elizabeth, Mason and Ryan; one brother, Richard Arni of Marshall, Missouri; and brothers-in-law Paul Vaillancourt of Marshall, Missouri, and Coral (Tina) Stober of Buffalo, Missouri; niece, nephews, and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Darla Arni. Funeral services honoring the life of Mr. Arni will be 11 a.m., Saturday, September 24, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Glasgow, with Rev. Ryan Edwards officiating. Visitation will be held at the church, two hours prior to the service starting at 9 a.m. Interment will follow the service at Washington Cemetery in Glasgow. Memorial contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church or Missouri Scholars Academy, c/o Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 112 Market St., Glasgow, MO 65254.