Robert D. Arnett

Cuba—Robert “Bob” Dale Arnett died on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born on June 6, 1942, in Belleville, Illinois, to Richard and Ethel Arnett. He grew up in a military family, graduating high school in Germany and working for the European Exchange System before returning to the United States. In 1962, Bob enlisted in the United States Army, training and serving as a medical technician who specialized in trauma patient care and psychiatric care. Bob was honorably discharged in 1967. Later, Bob worked in a number of fields, including as an electrician’s helper at Hatfield Electric Company in Chicago and as medical technician in the respiratory disease department at the State of Illinois Department of Corrections in Pontiac. Most recently, Bob retired from PIPCO in Peoria as a warehouse manager after 25 years of employment.

Bob married Norma Dorne in 1970, and together they had three children: Robert “Bobby” (Sarah) Arnett of Cuba; Michael (Holly) Arnett of Lewistown; and Vickie (Kevin) Everly of Prophetstown, IL. “Pops,” as he was affectionally known by his family, was also blessed with eight grandchildren: Payton Arnett, Madison Draughn, and Sadie Arnett; Cody (Addy Rian), Samuel, and Joshua Arnett; and Benjamin and Mira Reneau. In addition to his children and grandchildren, Pops is survived by his sisters, Pamela (Tim) Bink of Cuba and Sharon Ladd of Lewistown, as well as many friends and neighbors.
Although Pops was a hard worker and a jack of all trades, he was best known for his leisurely pursuits. He was an IHSA softball official, an amateur and professional boxing official, a boxing coach, a hunter, and an avid participant in bass fishing tournaments. Most of all, Pops loved spending the day on the water with his children and grandchildren, passing along his love of fishing and the outdoors.
A memorial service will be held at Cuba Christian Church on Monday, June 6, at 4:30, which is also Bob’s birthday, with his son, Pastor Mike Arnett, officiating. Interment will follow at Cuba Cemetery with military rites accorded. Afterwards, a dinner will be held at the Cuba Legion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cuba or Lewistown High School Booster Clubs.