Darrel Arnold

The family of Darrel “Dea” Eugene Arnold, of Wilmington, Ohio, is saddened to announce his passing on February 4, 2022, at the age of 71.

Born on July 5, 1950, in Morning Sun, Ohio, Dea was the son of John Lucas Arnold and Ethel Louise Rees.

From owning a body shop with his brother Buck, to working for Airborne Express as a mechanic for over 25 years, Dea was someone who could fix anything. He loved working on cars and bringing “lost cause” projects back to life. A music lover and guitar player, Dea and his brother-in-law Randy played in a band together. He was known to friends and family as a jokester…pulling pranks on everyone he knew and finding the humor in every situation. If you were talking to Dea, you were laughing.

He will be dearly missed by his daughter, Darsha Arnold of Cincinnati, son, Darrel (Sheryl) Arnold II of Wilmington, step-grandchildren, Kasey and Emily, three great-step-grandchildren, Landen, Delaney and MacKenzie, sister Marilynn (Phil) Gross of College Corner, OH, brother John Arnold of Eaton, OH, sister Gail (Randy) Williamson of Wilmington, OH, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Dea also leaves behind his beloved fur kids Skeeter, Nuge and Skanky and fur-grandkids, Atrea, Koby, Dema and Dodger.

Dea was preceded in death by his loving wife of 30 years, Sharon Ellen Arnold; brother, Buck Arnold, sister, Charlotte Little; and his parents, John and Ethel Arnold.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Taylor and Teresa, the amazing caregivers that he adopted as part of our family and loved to share his sweets and stories with.

Services will be held at Fisher-Edgington Funeral Home, 97 W. Locust St. Wilmington, on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 12:00 pm with Dee Davis officiating. Interment will follow in Clinton County Memory Gardens. There will be no gathering following the service, instead a celebration of life will be held on a later date this summer, with information to come.

Friends will be received at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of the services. Masks will be provided at the door and must be worn during the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Clinton County Humane Society - PO Box 1024, Wilmington, OH 45177 - ClintonCoHumaneSociety.org