Benjamin Arnet

Benjamin Paul Arnet of Columbia, MO, age 43, passed away on August 28, 2025. Ben was born on June 14, 1982, in Columbia, MO, the son of Bill and Judy Arnet.

A proud Hickman Kewpie alum, Ben, would go on to graduate from his beloved University of Missouri with a bachelor's degree in journalism. Ben's love of sports broadcasting would take him into people's homes nightly in Tucson, AZ, Wichita, KS, Buffalo, NY and finally back to his hometown of CoMo. His final stop was the place where he started his career - KOMU 8 News.

The start of his sports fandom began in 1982 as 4-month-old Ben "watched" the Cardinals win the World Series on his father's lap. He also supported the St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Bills, and especially the budding hockey career of his daughter, Lyla. Those closest to Ben will remember him for his smile, quick wit, on-time puns, roll cart commentary, and most importantly his unwavering love of his family.

Ben is survived by his wife of 15 years Nicole and their daughter Lyla, his father Bill, his mother Judy, his sister Christina and her husband Shawn and their son Bradan of Huntington, IN, his brother Matt and wife Christine and their children Connor and Lexi of Overland Park, KS. He's also survived by his mother-in-law, Gaye Hess, brother-in-law, Justin Hess, and nieces Brekyn and Berkli, of Maize, KS as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He leaves behind a nationwide legacy of passion for sports, storytelling, and an expectation of excellence through the many students he taught and mentored as an adjunct professor at the Missouri School of Journalism and at KOMU.

A Celebration of Ben's Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the Walsworth Family Columns Club on the East Side of Faurot Field.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to, Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd, Columbia, MO 65202 or online at https://cmhspets.org/donate/ or the Student Opportunity Fund - Rally Mizzou c/o Mizzou Advancement, 407 Reynolds Alumni Center Columbia, MO 65211 or online at mizzou.us/Rally-BenArnet.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 E. Ash St., Columbia, Missouri 65203. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.parkermillard.com