Jesse R. Arnold

Jesse R. Arnold, 79, of Princeville passed away Monday, at 2:05 am January 5th 2015 at Unity Point Health Proctor in Peoria.

He was born on December 7, 1935 to Bert and Alice Davis Arnold. He married Claris Orren and they had three children Donna Arnold who preceded him in death, Laurie Arnold and Beth (John) Baker both of Johnson City, TN. Also surviving are two grandchildren James Baker of Johnson City, TN and Andrew (Heidi) Baker of Pekin.

In 1985 he married Mary L. Begner Wilson and she survives along with her children Travis (Joy) Wilson and Tiffany (Randy) Diehl of Princeville. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Michael Wilson of Chicago, Kortney Wilson of Peoria and Alexis Diehl of Princeville; two great grandchildren Brayden and Landon Wilson both of Chicago.

Three sisters Fannie, Eula, and Bonnie and three brothers James, Bill and Ted also preceded him in death.

Jess was raised in the Methodist Church and was proud of his brother James who was a Methodist minister. Jess drove a truck for many years and won a million mile accident free award. He was proud of this award and happily regularly reminded Mary of it when she tried to be a "back seat driver". Jess was a handyman and could fix anything.

Until the very end he always had one of his "famous" sayings. One of his favorites was "If you get down by the river drop in". Jess was a loving family man and happily joined in with whatever was going on. Mary and Jess took many vacations together before he became ill.

Retiring when he was 65 (In the hospital on oxygen) Jess was handed lemons and he made lemonade, which was also his favorite drink (earlier in life it was PBR). Later in life Jess enjoyed relaxing in his recliner watching westerns and his favorite team the St. Louis Cardinals.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Proctor Hospital (4th floor).
You are amazing. Thank you and God bless you. The family would like to give special thanks to Pastor Rex Hendrix and Rick Rogy for their comforting words.

Honoring his request, cremation rites have been accorded and no services will be held. Memorials in his name may be made to Akron-Princeville Ambulance, the Children Home in Peoria or the Princeville Woman's Club. Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services of Central Illinois is assisting with arrangements and notes of condolences may be sent using www.peoriafuneral.com.

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