It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Steven Arnold of Jacksonville, AR — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
What follows is written with love, by those who knew him best.
A parent's life is measured, in part, by the lives he shaped.
Steven Arnold, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, passed away on April 24, 2026, the way he lived - present, purposeful, and busy right up until his last moment. It was fitting, really. His whole life he was working, and that is where he seemed to be in his element.
He was a retired Senior Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force who served proudly as a flight engineer, stationed at bases across the globe throughout his career. Even after he put the uniform away, he never really left the cockpit behind. He went on to work for Lockheed Martin and CAE, teaching and mentoring new flight engineers and sharing everything he knew right up until the day he died at Little Rock Air Force Base.
Steven was a steady, dependable guy - the kind of person who showed up, did the job, and took care of the people around him without needing attention or praise. He almost always had something to chuckle about, and if he had an opinion, you were going to hear it. He was proud of his service, proud of his work, and quietly proud of every person he called family.
He is survived by his son, Roger Arnold of Cabot, Arkansas; his former wife, Leta Arnold, and her daughter, Christine, and her daughters Gabbie, Annie, and Hailey; and his son's partner, Cassidy, and her children, Lucas, Addi, and Emmalyn, whom he welcomed and supported as his own.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 from 11:30-12:30pm in the chapel at A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville. Graveside service will follow at 1:00pm at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in Sherwood.
In lieu of flowers, please put that money towards one of the following; the Jacksonville War History Museum or the 50th Airlift Squadron. Payment details for 50th below.
FIVE-OH BOOSTER CLUB
10006 BRIDGE CREEK RD
SHERWOOD AR 72120-9420
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
