Emil O. Arnold

Emil O. Arnold, 80, of Hollidaysburg, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 1, 2009.  He was born in Bedford, a son of the late Clyde and Eddrie (Wilson) Arnold.  His wife, Dixie (Eckard), was the love of his life, having celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary this week.

The oldest of eight children, he is survived by his siblings, a sister, Leta Arnold of Lancaster, a sister Edythe wife of Warren Martin of Harrisburg, a brother Wayne married to the former Sherry Mann, of Bedford, a sister Glee wife of Albert Kling of Lancaster, a brother Milton married to the former Sally Corle of Bedford, a brother Ross married to the former Alberta Miller of Bedford, and a brother Ivan married to the former Sharon Beasley of Middletown. Also surviving are his beloved children, Mary Elizabeth Shannon, Hollidaysburg, Chester and wife Karen, Humble, TX, Reta and husband Keith Heob, Palm Bay, FL, 13 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death in by son-in-law Jerry Shannon and an infant brother.

He retired from Brown Motor Supply in 1979 after 28 years.  He and Dixie moved to Sulphur, LA, where he sang with the “Agin’ Cajuns” and the First Baptist Church Choir.  He returned to Hollidaysburg, PA in 2006 and was a member of the Faith Baptist Church. He was a 1947 graduate of Bedford High School.

Funeral Services:  Friday, December 4, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. from the Faith Baptist Church, 315 40th St., Altoona PA 16602,  with Pastor Gary Dull officiating. Friends will be received on Thursday from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday morning.  Burial at Burning Bush Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Home Nursing Agency, Hospice, 350 Lakemont Park Blvd, Altoona, PA 16602 or to Faith Baptist Church.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com