Charles Samuel Arnold

Charles Samuel Arnold passed away peacefully at home on April 9, 2025, surrounded by his family.  He was born on March 13, 1935, to Charles Cecil Arnold and Pearl Phillips Arnold in Marion, Illinois. He was a 1953 graduate of Marion High School where he was active in football and baseball. Ater high school he went to work for Bearden Construction and began his career as a union lather and carpenter.  In July 1957 he started his own company with his Uncle Paul J. Phillips.  Together they successfully operated that business for 35 years. He retired in 1992 which allowed him many years to pursue his many hobbies.  He was an avid outdoorsman and was passionate about hunting, gardening, raising cattle, and golfing with friends.  He also enjoyed Country Western music and dancing which he did well into his elder years.

Charles was a man of strong Christian faith and was a member of First Baptist Church of Marion for over 60 years.  He felt truly blessed throughout his life.  His greatest blessing was to meet and marry his loving wife of 65 years, Audrey Nicholson Arnold, whom he adored. He was a wonderful father to his five children and will be profoundly missed. 

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert Dale Arnold.  He is survived by his wife, daughter Samara Lindsay (Brad) of Clemmons, North Carolina, son Dale Arnold (Debbie), son Ed Arnold (Biqun Gan), daughter Joy Starrick, son Bill Arnold (Andrea) all of Marion, Illinois, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Blue Funeral Home located at 1704 North Court Street in Marion. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM with Pastor Bradley Dexter officiating. Interment will follow in Rosehill Cemetery. Please visit www.binkleyross.com to leave online condolences.