Robert Donald Arnold, age 85, of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Community Howard Regional Health Hospital in Kokomo. Born August 30, 1941, in Louisville, KY, to Robert D. “Bob” and Mary Ruth (Million) Arnold, Don lived a life defined by devotion to his family and unwavering dedication to providing for them. He served his country in the United States Army from October 1963 to October 1965. After his service, Don worked tirelessly at Delco Remy in Anderson for 35 years, retiring in 1997. Even in retirement, his commitment to hard work continued as he joined the maintenance team at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood, where he served for another 12 years until retiring again in 2010.

Don married Jewel A. Gwinn on March 28, 1975, and together they created a close-knit blended family, cherishing over 51 years together. He was an active member of the U.A.W. #665, a lifetime member of the Elwood V.F.W., and a longtime member of the Fellowship Masonic Lodge #681 in Anderson. Don found joy in the outdoors—fishing, camping, hunting, and gathering around a campfire. A true jack of all trades, he was always willing to fix, build, or repair anything needed for his loved ones. With a warm sense of humor, Don filled his home with laughter and love. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and steadfast provider—always present, always protecting, and always putting his family first.

Don is survived by his wife, Jewel Arnold of Elwood; 7 children, April (Wayne) Franklin of North Carolina, Cheri (Kevin) Frye of North Carolina, Donald Lee Arnold of Peru, Jim Cornwell of Elwood, Jodi (Danny) Swinford of Elwood, Bill (Tamara) Cornwell of Elwood, and Kenny Cornwell of North Webster; 15 grandchildren, Ariel Marrs, Jared Frye, Caitlyn Young, Robbie Arnold, Devin Arnold, Ayden Arnold, Alyssa Arnold, Ashley Johnson, Ben Cornwell, Kaleigh Davis , Kendra Cornwell, Cecily Canela, Claudia Swinford, Keisha Christie, and Brandi Cornwell; 13 great-grandchildren, Macy Cay Marrs, Lucas Johnson, Lissy & Storm Cornwell, Ramona & Winry Trumble, Claire, Trace, & Landen Davis, Gabrielle & Jasamine Quihuis, DeSean Hawkins, Nathaniel Rhamy; 5 siblings, Ron Jordan of Montana, Geneva (Bernie) Patterson of Kentucky, Betty Johnson of Kentucky, Barbara Pointer of Kentucky, and Terry (Jim) Hofer of Lafayette; and several nieces and nephews. Don is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, David Ebert.

A funeral service celebrating Don’s life and legacy will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, November 6, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Scott Blaylock of Life Church officiating. A Masonic memorial will begin the funeral. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Cemetery where military honors by the U.S. Army and Elwood V.F.W. will be conducted. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday, November 6, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elwood Animal Shelter. Online condolences and stories may be shared with the family at copherfeslermay.com.