Darrel D Arnold

Darrel D. Arnold, 93, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away on Friday, August 18, 2023 at Adams Woodcrest in Decatur, Indiana.

He was born on March 27, 1930 in Adams County to the late Floyd Arnold and the late Lela (Schlickman) Arnold.

He grew up in Kirkland township where they milked around a dozen cows by hand.  They farmed 80 acres with horses back in the day.  As a teenager, he was an avid hunter and trapper.  One story goes that he shot 49 squirrels in a row, but missed the 50th.

Darrel was united in marriage to Joyce M. Fruechte on November 17, 1951 at Salem United Church of Christ in Magley, and she preceded him in death on December 27, 2022.

He was a member of Salem Magley Church, where he served the Lord by holding many church offices.  He was also a member of the Preble Volunteer Fire Department, the Decatur Moose #1311, and the American Legion Post #43.  Darrel served for many years on the board of directors for Decatur Bank and Trust.  He was the Adams County Legacy in Agriculture Award winner in 2022.  He was a member of the last graduating class of 1949 at Kirkland School where he was a star basketball player.  He was awarded Adams County's player of the year his senior year.

Darrel served his country in the U.S. Army as a helicopter mechanic during the Korean War, from June 5, 1952 until June 4, 1954, when he was honorably discharged.  He was the owner and manager of Peterson Grain, Inc. since 1966, where he sold seed, feed, chemicals, vet supplies and moved grain.  He also farmed along with his son, grandsons and great grandsons.  During the 70s and 80s, Joyce and him went to Australia, Europe, Alaska, and many other places, where he would proudly wear his Peterson Grain shirts world-wide.

Growing sweet corn and produce to share with friends and neighbors has always been a passion for Darrel.  He was the happiest in the Fall when he was got to witness his family working together at Peterson Grain.  So many are able to tell stories of how much they enjoyed coming to Peterson as a child and have Darrel spoil them with treats and talk to them about life.

Survivors include his son, Dean (Lisa) Arnold of Decatur, Indiana; grandson, Josh (Chrissy) Arnold of Decatur, Indiana; grandson, Seth Arnold of Decatur, Indiana; four great grandchildren, Kendall, Kaidenn. Addison, and Autumn Arnold; two step grandchildren and four step great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Shari Arnold, and two brothers, Harold Arnold and Jim Arnold.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 24, 2023 at Salem Magley Church, with Pastor Christopher Hirschy officiating.  Burial will follow at Salem Cemetery Magley.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Military Graveside Services will be held by American Legion Color Guard Post #43

Preferred memorials can be given to Salem Magley Church or to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana