Robert Leon Arnold

Robert Leon Arnold, who was lovingly known as the "Vegetable Man", died at the age of 92 on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, at his home in Martinsville with his loved ones by his side. His life began on Saturday, May 21st, 1932, in Martinsville, Indiana, when he was born to the late Forest Leon and Lorene May (Bolin) Arnold.
Robert spent his entire life in Morgan County and graduated high school with the class of 1950 from Martinsville High School. He was a member of the Martinsville Artesian Basketball team during high school and was known to have quite an impressive hook shot, coining him the nickname, "Hook". Immediately following graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force, serving his country from 1950 – 1952 and being honorably discharged as an Airman Third Class.
No stranger to hard work, Robert dedicated over forty-five years of his life to the Laborer's Union Local #741. During his tenure with the union, he worked as a hod carrier and foreman, most of which was spent working for Broady- Campbell Inc. in Indianapolis, completing projects all over the state of Indiana including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Bank One Tower downtown Indianapolis.
He was a former member of the Martinsville Moose Lodge and the Martinsville V.F.W. Lodge #1257. Robert also thoroughly enjoyed gardening and sharing his fruits and vegetables with family and friends. Many will remember his vegetable stand alongside Wilbur Road year after year or perhaps him bringing melons and produce to the employees at the courthouse.
He will be missed and lovingly remembered by his family and friends including his wife of nearly seventy-three years, Joanne (Peters) Arnold of Martinsville; whom he married on November 3, 1951; daughter, Dixie Arnold of Martinsville; brother, Bill Arnold of Oregon; sister, Jaqueline (husband, Tom) Cook of Oregon; seven grandchildren; several great and great great grandchildren and one great great great granddaughter.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Richard Arnold; brother, Frank Arnold; and two sisters, Naomi Jones and Rosetta Northern.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday, June 21st, 2024, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at Neal & Summers Funeral Home in Martinsville. Rev. Keenan Steinway will conduct a graveside service immediately following the visitation beginning at 3:30 pm in New South Park Cemetery. He will be laid to rest in New South Park following the service and military honors.
Condolences and memories are encouraged to be shared with the family online at www.nealandsummers.com