Thomas Arnold

BENTON, Mo. -- Thomas Lee Arnold, former attorney in Benton, passed away at the age of 91 in Green Valley, Ariz., Friday, April 19, 2013.

He and his wife, Joyce, moved there from Benton in the fall of 1999.

He was born April 10, 1922, in Benton, to James Marshall and Mary Jeanette Arnold.

Arnold was a veteran of World War II, having served as a medic in France after the Normandy invasion in 1944. He was with the 44th Infantry Division, the unit that escorted famed German rocket scientist Dr. Wernher von Braun to allied custody. He received military training in Oklahoma and Iowa before being deployed to the front lines in France. As part of his training, he was taught medical skills and became fluent in French. He earned a Bronze Star during his military service.

He was a 1943 graduate of Southeast Missouri State Teachers College (now Southeast Missouri State University) in Cape Girardeau. After the war, Arnold attended law school at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he earned his juris doctorate degree in 1948 on the GI Bill.

After graduation, he joined the law firm of Stephen Barton in Benton, county seat of Scott County. When Barton retired, he took over the practice and enjoyed a long and successful career. Arnold retired from his law practice in 1994. He was a member and strong supporter of the United Methodist Church in Benton.

Throughout his career, he was heavily involved in the Democratic Party. He was in charge of organizing support in Southeast Missouri for the election of President John F. Kennedy in 1960. He also was involved in local and state Democratic causes. Arnold served many years as a board member of Scott County R-IV Reorganized School District.

He was avidly involved in the Scott County Historical and Genealogical Society and was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation in 2008 in "recognition for your lifetime achievement to the Scott County Historical and Genealogical Society".

Upon retirement to Green Valley, he and his wife enjoyed golfing and socializing with their large circle of newly made friends. They also travelled extensively to Egypt, Europe, Hawaii, Canada and Australia, in addition to domestic travels. In Green Valley, he volunteered with the "Friends In Deed" organization. He enjoyed viewing the Santa Rita Mountains from his patio at sunset.

Arnold was loyal to his family, friends and his moral convictions. There was never any doubt where he stood on controversial issues, and he enjoyed explaining his positions on national and international matters. His intellect stayed with him to his last days.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; two sons, Tom Jr., M.D., (Debora) of Quinton, Ala., and Jim (Cathy) of Germantown, Tenn.; two stepdaughters, Kim (Jim) of Sterling, Va., and Jennifer of North Dallas, Texas; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was known as "Pop Pop."

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Ramey Arnold; and two brothers, Marshall and Jack.

His presence will be missed by all who knew him. Arnold was kind, generous, highly intelligent and strongly committed to family and friends. His influence and insights will live on in the people who knew him well.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. May 11 at Valley Presbyterian Church in Green Valley, with a reception afterward at the Arnold residence.

A second memorial will be during Labor Day weekend in Benton, with details to follow later this summer.

Arnold supported the Salvation Army and often noted that "they helped people while other organizations talked about helping people".

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the Salvation Army.

Adair Dodge Funeral Home in Tucson, Ariz., was in charge of arrangements.