Norman Arnold

Norman Rex Arnold, 89, of Overland Park, KS (formerly of Independence, KS) passed away peacefully on October 13, 2022, at Garden Terrace in Overland Park, KS. The world has lost a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Norm was born in Centralia, OK, on October 2, 1933, the son of Charlie Rex and Alma Arnold. He enjoyed sharing childhood memories of life on the farm. He graduated from Edna High School in 1950, where he was valedictorian. He liked to share that he skipped a grade while he was in elementary school, allowing him to graduate at age 16.

Norm was proud to be a KU Jayhawk! He graduated from KU with a Business Administration degree in 1957. Norm was happy to have three other KU graduates in his immediate family: Lisa (daughter), Jessica (granddaughter), and Kara (granddaughter).

His college career was briefly interrupted when he enlisted in the US Army, where he was a veteran of the Korean War. Norm proudly wore his beloved Korean Vet hat wherever he went and loved the opportunity to be recognized as a veteran.

Norm’s talent for working with numbers led him to a job as an accountant with the following companies: Mobile Oil, H.D. Lee, and Sinclair Oil (later ARCO). He enjoyed walking to work when at the ARCO building. He had a strong work ethic which was passed down to his family. In retirement, Norm held numerous part-time jobs which he enjoyed, including a KC Star carrier and a part-time Hy-Vee employee. Norm’s favorite phrase was “I’ve got to go to work!”

Norm also obtained his Kansas Realtor Broker License, as well as his Kansas and Missouri Insurance Licenses. He enjoyed the opportunity to meet people through these accomplishments.

Participating in sports was a passion for Norm. He played football in high school. Until age 50, Norm played soft-pitch softball on his ARCO company and church teams. He also ran in several local races, winning 1st place in a race at age 50. He loved cheering on the KC Royals, KC Chiefs, and KU Jayhawk basketball.

Norm enjoyed attending church, as a member of Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, KS, and participated with the congregation at First Presbyterian Church of NKC, where his daughter, Dana, is an accompanist.

Norm loved his family and friends. One of his greatest joys was calling to check on them and share a bit of news. He also enjoyed traveling with his family, where he went on road trips to destinations all over the U.S.

Norm is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Iola, of the home; Dana Gillis, daughter, of Overland Park; Lisa Stobie and husband Pete, of Overland Park. His grandchildren were his joy: Jessica Bond and husband Isaac, of Olathe, KS; Drake Stobie of South Bend, IN and Kara Stobie of Overland Park. His great-granddaughter, Vanessa Bond, was a special light in his life.

He is also survived by his brothers: Preston Arnold, and wife Nancy, of Bartlesville, OK and Ron Arnold, and wife Diane, of Columbia, MO. Also, brother-in-law, Fred Moore, and wife Sue, of Lenoir City, TN. He loved his nieces and nephews who were special to him.

Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, Kansas. Norm will be laid to rest in North Edna Cemetery, in Edna, Kansas. Reception following graveside service at the Shelter House, Riverside Park, Independence, KS. Services will be streamed live under his obituary page at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com where you may also leave an online word of condolence or share a memory.

To honor the loving people who helped Norm through his last weeks on earth, contributions can be made to Vitas Healthcare, 8527 Bluejacket Drive, Lenexa, KS 66214, in his name.

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