Leon Arnold
Jewel “Leon” Arnold, born October 10, 1935, was called home to be with his savior on April 4, 2025. Leon was born in Kiowa, Oklahoma to Jewel Lee Arnold and Bertha Mae (Godfrey) Arnold. Leon, being the eldest of 6 siblings, was blessed to spend his formative years on the family farm. He helped his father with farm chores, enjoyed fishing, roaming the fields, getting into mischief and making memories with his sisters. At age 11, Leon’s parents moved the family to the San Joaquin Valley in California; this move sparked a lifelong dream of returning to his Oklahoma roots.
At age 16 Leon began his career as a professional truck driver. After working for several years, he placed his career on hold and served in the US Army. During his time in the Army, he was stationed stateside and spent time in Germany.
In 1961, Leon married the absolute love of his life, Elores Faye Tallon. Together they raised 3 children, Craig Allen Arnold, Dirk Lee Arnold and Donna Lounell Arnold-Feehan. Leon instilled in his children the values of strength, independence, work ethic, service to others and a love for the Lord and the church.
In 1973, Leon formed his own business that became known as Leon’s Trucking Service. Leon founded his trucking business on the principles of honesty, dependability, fairness and hard work. In the early 2000’s Leon stepped into retirement. He left the trucking industry with the reputation of a respected and successful businessman. Leon and Elores enjoyed retirement, but unfortunately in 2005 after 44 years of marriage, Elores passed away. Although Leon claimed would tell you he retired, retirement, but to those who knew him, knew he never really retired was just getting started.
In 2007 love found Leon again with his “Princess” Freda Dawes-Doran. With Freda’s his Princess’s blessings, she and Leon was able to fulfill his life long dream. He and Freda moved to Holdenville, Oklahoma and established the El Rancho Nogotta Cattle Ranch. Leon quickly became known as a respected community supporter, dedicated church member and a true friend to many. Leon and Freda enjoyed many years of cattle ranching, family, friends and travel.
Leon leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, devotion and determination. Leon is preceded in death by his wife, Elores Tallon-Arnold, parents, Jewel Lee and Bertha Mae Arnold, brothers, Coye and Jerry Arnold, sisters, Oleta Arnold-Prater and Lounell Arnold.
Leon is survived by his wife of 17 years, Freda Dawes-Arnold, sister, Loyce Lindenman, children and spouses: Craig and Diane Arnold, Dirk Arnold and Mark Robertson, Donna and Robert Feehan, 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Stepchildren, Bryan Doran, Tom and Deanna Pentecost, Glen and Janet Stailey, 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Funeral services for Leon Arnold will be held, Saturday, April 12, 2025, 11 a.m., Midway Baptist Church, 13296 Ok-56, Wewoka, Oklahoma.