Darran Lee Arnold

Darran Lee Arnold, 55, of Sedalia, MO, passed away at his home after a courageous battle with cancer over a two-and-a-half-year span.

He was born on September 19, 1966, in Sedalia, the son of Delbert Leroy Arnold Sr. and Ethel Rose (Kabler) Arnold. He later received his step-dad, Steve Burns.

Darran worked in the auto body repair trade setting after high school. He then created his own successful auto body business over the past 35 years. Darran's work ethic and pride in his business were unmatched. Though rare, if a customer were not pleased, Darran would work the job until his customer was happy or would not accept any payment. This helped establish numerous faithful customers. Darran and Missy's son, Jacob Arnold, joined and worked side by side with his dad over the past ten years and currently runs the family business, Arnold's Auto Body of Sedalia. Jacob proudly carries on his dad's legacy.

On October 6, 1990, in Sedalia, he was united in marriage to his teenage sweetheart Missy Ann Arnold, who resides in their home with their daughter, Lexie Arnold. Their 31 years of marriage, plus five prior, have been full of blessings.

Only 55, Darran lived a full life. Over the past couple of weeks, his most shared phrase was, "I have had such a good family." Faith, family, and working on hot rods were closest to his heart. Darran was baptized as a kid and served as a deacon at Parkview Christian Church for several years. Darran looked at life as a glass half full. Even after cancer invaded his life, this did not change. Darran was also a truth-teller and brought much joy and laughter to all those around him with his blunt, no-nonsense. Darran had a heart for children. If they were selling for a sport or a worthy cause, when they requested he buy one, he would offer, " How about a box?" The main regrets he shared with his wife are not growing older together, not being able to continue to work side by side with his son, or being able to see his daughter get married and have babies. Equally difficult is not seeing his current grandbabies grow up. He was a BBQ king and made the best breakfast gravy and rolled out homemade chicken noodles. Sweet iced tea will make Darran's loved ones smile and forever think of him.

Darran is survived by his wife, Missy Arnold; son, Jacob Arnold; daughter, Lexie Arnold; daughter-in-law, Kalee Arnold; Grandson, Hudson Arnold; granddaughter, Hallie Arnold; father-in-law, Ted Meek; mother-in-law, Linda Meek; three sisters-in-law, Nina Escobar-Petersen, Emma Morris (Josh), and Zana Meek (Ryan); his mom, Ethel Rose (Arnold) Burns; two brothers, David Eugene Arnold (Debbie), Daniel Scott Arnold (Denise); sister Gina Marie Robinson, and many other vitally important family members and friends on both sides of the family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Delbert Leroy Sr; brother, Delbert Leroy Jr.; step-dad, Steve Burns; maternal grandparents, Claude and Louise Kabler; paternal grandparents, Delbert Lee Arnold, Mamie Bistline; niece, Avia Meek, and other family members that include some aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, July 16, 2022, at Rea Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Rodney Brown officiating.

Visitation will be from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Friday, July 15, 2022, at Rea Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends are invited to share die-cast, hot rod cars that will be passed on to the grandbabies, as was Darran's collection.

Burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery, Sedalia, MO.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Arnold, David Arnold, Ted Meek, Ryan Martz, Josh Morris, and Ronnie Livengood.

Honorary bearers will be Daniel Scott (Scotty), Arnold, Gordon Poindexter, Bill Howe, Steve Wells, Alex Zaragoza, Kylen Williams, Derrick Butler, Mikey Beach, Jr., and Blake Longan.

Memorial contributions may be made to any worthy cancer cause.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.