Donald "Donnie" Ray Arnold Sr.

Donald “Donnie” Ray Arnold Sr., age 78, of Leitchfield, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Owensboro Health Twin Lakes in Leitchfield. Born on March 15, 1947, in Louisville, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Leon and Bessie Burkhead Arnold.

Donnie spent several years working at Louisville Ladder before embracing a life centered on the outdoors. An avid hunter and fisherman, he loved farming, followed sports with enthusiasm, and was known among his friends as a true “man’s man.” Above all, he cherished the time spent with his family. A longtime member of the Mt. Hebron Gospel Mission Church, he lived a life grounded in faith, hard work, and quiet strength.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Freda Mae Samuels Arnold of Leitchfield; his children, Buddy Arnold (Marsha) of Leitchfield, Michelle Harrell (Brian) of Bowling Green, Michael Arnold (Mary) of McDaniels, and Chloe Fields (Ryan) of Leitchfield; five grandchildren, Jonathon Arnold, Keeghan Harrell (Macie), Hayden Harrell, Lynnlea Clemons, and Waylon Arnold; one great-grandchild, Silas Harrell; brothers-in-law Jimmy, Carroll, Danny, and Tommy Samuels; sister-in-law Margie Noe; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and others who lovingly called him Dad. He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother- and father-in-law, a brother, Robert Arnold, and a sister, Stella Bray.