John T. Arnold (64) of Effingham

John T. Arnold, 64, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Sunday, May 23, 2021 at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Burial will be in Watson Cemetery in Watson. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2021 prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Make a Wish Foundation. Two organizations close to John’s heart. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here. 

John was born on November 10, 1956, the son of Arthur Wayne “Pete” and Evelyn (McWhorter) Arnold. He moved to Florida in the 90’s and returned back to his old town and family in Effingham a few years ago.

John was a memorable man to all. No matter if you knew him from playing baseball or just meeting him while walking his dog Maverick, if you met John, you remembered John. He played baseball through high school at Effingham High School and even was a third round pick in the Major League Baseball draft in the mid 70’s. He loved the game and to talk about the game. He raised his two daughters to be strong and love sports like he did. John had three grandchildren, all boys, and they made him proud. His oldest grandson serves in the United States Air Force, and this is just another story John liked to tell all about. His smile was as big as his heart.

John is survived by his daughter, Brittney (Franklin) Gates of Palm Coast, FL; brother, Roger (Becky) Arnold of Minneapolis, MN; son-in-law, Tucker Kirkpatrick of Winter Springs, FL; his three grandchildren, Tyler Gates, Landon Gates and Chandler Gates; his two nephews Adam Arnold and Matt Arnold as well as his niece Erika Arnold McEwan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Arthur Wayne “Pete” Arnold; and daughter, Sara Kirkpatrick.