Gayle Wayne Arnold Sr.

Gayle Wayne Arnold Sr., 85, of Wappapello, MO, passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Gayle was born on August 25, 1940, to Junior and Helen (Blackburn) Arnold in Campbell, Missouri. He married Shirley (Verreras) on September 29, 1961, in Atascadero, California.

Gayle loved all things power and speed; from collecting them to wrecking them, he loved all his rides. Gayle was full of life and always on the go. He enjoyed playing cards, bingo, and visiting with friends over a cold drink. He also liked going to auctions and the sale barn in his spare time. Although Gayle was known to be little ornery and quite a prankster, he loved fiercely and family meant the world to him.

Gayle is survived by his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Shirley Arnold; three children, Wayne Arnold, Tony Arnold (Shelly Bower), and Debby Norris; three grandchildren, Trista Norris (Jim Cookson), Kayla Cookson (Alvin), and Zachary Norris (Carmon); ten great-grandchildren, Tyler, Nathaniel, Alyssa, Kaylee, Mason, Paisley, Elijah, Zemira, Millie, and Bodhi; four siblings, Louetta Crunkleton (Jerry), Judy, Eddie, and Charlie Dover; special family friends, Kerry Lippold and Mary Cossey; along with numerous other extended family members and friends.

Gayle was preceded by in death by his parents, Junior and Helen; sister, Glenda Dover; two brothers, Donnie and Larry Dover.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 11:00am-12:00pm at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services. Funeral service will follow beginning at Noon with Chaplain Callum Reavey officiating. Gayle will be laid to rest privately at Wappapello Cemetery.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Mr. Gayle Wayne Arnold Sr. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.