Raymond Eugene Arnold, 86, of Festus died Feb. 26, 2024, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mr. Arnold was a member of the Crystal City Elks. Before retirement, he was a business agent for Operating Engineers. He enjoyed working in his yard and golfing. Born Aug. 12, 1937, in Madison, Ill., he was the son of the late Ruby (Thomason) and H.B. Arnold.
He is survived by his wife: Charlotte (Hill) Arnold of Festus; two children: Jackie (Michael) Forshee of Edwardsville, Ill., and Tracey (Rick) Paterson of Granite City, Ill.; three stepsons: Larry (Jennifer) Hedgecorth of Valley Park, Stephen (Karen) Hedgecorth of Farmington and Douglas DeLassus of St. Louis; three grandchildren: Emily (Bryce Jenson) Fouts, Seth (Amanda) Paterson and Shannon Paterson; six step grandchildren: Erica (David) Diggs, Rachel (Corey) Winkle, Sydney Hedgecorth, Sam Hedgecorth, Logan DeLassus and Alex DeLassus; a great-grandson: Mason Paterson; and a great-step grandson: Thomas Diggs.
He was preceded in death by a son: Charles Arnold.
Visitation is scheduled from 3-6 p.m. Sunday, March 3, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, March 4, at Our Lady Church, 1550 St. Mary’s Lane, in Festus, officiated by Fr. Michael Boehm. Burial will take place in Lakewood Park Cemetery in Affton. Memorials may be made to Open Door Animal Sanctuary, 6065 Duda Road, in House Springs, 63051. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.