Harry Edward Arnett, 81, of Texico, Illinois, died at 9:50 a.m. Oct. 1, 2005, at his home.

He was a farmer who loved to bale hay, grinder at Precision in Mt. Vernon, and laborer through the Union Hall. He loved to go the horse races and watch boxing.

Mr. Arnett was born July 8, 1924 in Jefferson County, Illinois to George Arnett and Trulia "Haley" Arnett.

He married Lillie "Beal" Arnett on July 20, 1946; she survives.

Mr. Arnett served in the Army during WWII and received a bronze star for saving an officer. Company K, 106 Infantry Regiment. He was involved in the American Legion and VFW, a member of the Methodist Faith, member of the Mt. Vernon Gun and Sportmen's Club and Appaloosa Breeder's Association and served as a Field Township Precinct Committeeman for 22 years.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2005 at 11 a.m. at Osborn Funeral Home in Dix, Ill. The Rev. Bob Southerd will officiate. Visitation will take place from 5-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Mt. Vernon, Ill. Graveside military rites will be accorded by Mt. Vernon American Legion Post 141.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Good Samaritan Hospital or the American Cancer Society.

He is survived by, his wife, Lillie Arnett; three sons, Jack Arnett and his wife Donna of Bluford; Jake Arnett and wife Susan of Mt. Vernon; Bobby Arnett and friend Linda Robinson of Mt. Vernon; three daughters, Peggy Arnett of Kirkwood, Mo., Barbara Arnett of Martin, Tenn., Connie Simmons and husband Jerry of Dix, and two adopted daughters Judy VonBurg of Sandoval, and Marsha Morlan of Mt. Vernon; 10 grandchildren, Jean Ann Little of Martin, Tenn., Duane Elliston and wife Teresa of Brookport, Ill., Regina Draper and husband Mike of Geff, Ill., Justin Coffman of Martin, Tenn., Dustin Arnett of Swansea, Ill., Joshua Simmons of Dix, Jared Simmons and wife Michelle of Belleville, Ill., Cory Arnett of Bluford, Jessie Arnett of Mt. Vernon, Jake David Arnett of Mt. Vernon; 9 great grandchildren, Skyler, Hagen and Lilly Katherine Little, Joseph Collins, D.J. Coffman, Klayton and Kloe Draper, Alex and Mia Simmons; brothers-in-law, Mort Beal and wife Wilhelemine of Mt. Vernon, Jim Beal and wife Jean of Mt. Vernon; sisters-in-laws, Peg Arnett of Belvidere, Ill., and Isabelle Champ of Mt. Vernon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister Lucille; brothers, Thel, Junior and Stan; sisters-in-laws Bessie Elliott, Maude Chandler, Edna Arnett; brothers-in-laws, Thel, Buck, George, John, Oscar, Bob and Fred Beal.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Submitted by Kiowana Hayes Ferguson