John H. Arnold

John H. Arnold, 83, Shawnee, Kansas, passed away peacefully July 21, 2012, in the loving presence of his family at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.

Born September 27, 1928, to Robert and Roxie (Houtchens) Arnold near Deepwater, Missouri, John was a depression-era Missouri farm boy, an Army veteran of the Korean War who fought at the intense three week battle a the Chosin Reservoir, a Safeway truck driver for 37 years and a man called by God to preach the gospel in a pulpit career that spanned 35 years. Pastor John was ordained in 1967 at London Heights Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas, and he ministered at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Weston, Missouri, First Baptist Church of Greenwood in Shawnee, and Victory Baptist Church in Tonganoxie, Kansas. His compassion to see people brought to the saving grace of Jesus Christ affected many souls over the decades.

John leaves behind his wife of nearly 63 years, Bea; his son and daughter-in-law John and Laurie Arnold; his son Keith Arnold and his grandsons Richard (wife Carlene) and Corey Arnold, all of Shawnee; brother Robert Arnold of Clinton, Missouri; sister Rose Zella Adams (husband Charlie) of Harrisonville, Missouri; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Gene and Florence Wisner of Blue Springs, Missouri; along with many nephews and nieces.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, including doctors, nurses, clinical aides, radiology techs and respiratory therapists for their patience and compassion in caring for John and his family. Dad's mind is now at rest, and he is in the presence of his Savior.

Friends may call from 9:00-10:00 a.m., Wednesday., July 25, 2012, at the Amos Family Funeral Home and Crematory, with funeral to follow the visitation at 10:00 a.m. John will be laid to rest in a private family graveside service at Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens in western Shawnee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in John's name to City Union Mission, 1100 E. 11th Street, Kansas City, Missouri. John thought a great deal of this ministry for the homeless.