Melvin Arnold
East Alton |
Melvin Arnold, 87, passed away at 10:50 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born on November 16, 1936, in Batchtown, Illinois, the son of the late Clifford and Bertha (Meseke) Arnold. Mel graduated from Roxana High School in 1955. He married the former Sharon Schmidt of Wood River on September 26, 1964, and she survives. Other survivors include a son and daughter in law: Darrin and Rebecca Arnold of Dow, a daughter and son in law: Janell and Mike Schleeper of Edwardsville, two grandsons: Kaden and Cameron Schleeper, two sisters: Ona Mae Vint of St. Louis, Missouri and Arlette Henderson of Rosewood Heights, as well as nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother: Donald Arnold.
Melvin was employed at Owens–Illinois Glass Company for thirty – seven years, primarily in Alton, but also in Durham, North Carolina. He served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1962. He was an active member of Leisure World in Bethalto, where he swam regularly beginning in the 1980s. He was an avid sports fan who loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals play baseball, the Duke University Blue Devils play basketball, and his grandsons play a variety of sports including soccer and ultimate frisbee. Melvin enjoyed wood working and small construction and home repair projects, often assisting friends and family members. He was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wood River.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 9am until time of worship service at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wood River. Pastor David Schultz will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
The family suggests memorials in his honor to Lutheran Family and Children’s Services or to St. Paul Lutheran Church. These will be accepted at the service.
Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.
Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River is in charge of arrangements.
Pitchford Funeral Home
