Brad Arnold Obituary

 

 

 Bradley Jason Arnold, age 45, died August 7, 2018 in the strong, loving presence of his father, brother and son, following his diligent battle with graft vs. host disease.

Brad was born June 11, 1973 in Ames, Iowa to Pamela Sue Canady and Charles Wayne Arnold. Four years later, he was joined by brother, Chad Dean. He graduated from Russell Community School. During and following high school, he was mentored by John Joe and Judge Curran in the area of cattle and would later become one of the most highly respected ranchers in southern Iowa.

On October 7, 2000 Brad married Holly N. Adams and became a father to 6 year-old, Beau. Four years later, Morgan completed their family of four.
In 2001, Brad was baptized beside Beau, their heads anointed with water simultaneously at the Chariton First United Methodist Church.

In 2002, Brad, Holly and Beau moved to the sacred ground near Sewal, which was Holly’s grandparents’ home. Brad ran cattle on Harvey and Dorothy Morgan’s home farm and Missouri state line pasture, conducting business from his hospital bed up until the day before he died. He was knowledgeable in grazing and a steward of the land, sustaining well-managed pasture, even in drought conditions.

Brad had a dream beginning in first grade of becoming a rodeo stock contractor. In 1999, he and co-owner, John Ballard started Great Plains Rodeo Co. putting on rodeos throughout the Midwest, but mainly in Wisconsin where for 8 years with family and friends they made memories to last a lifetime. Brad lead this team in putting on many amazing shows, with the incredible standards at which he held all of his endeavors.

Brad had great times camping and boating with his family at Lake Rathbun. The camper was traded for a horse trailer when Morgan graduated from riding Rocket to entering barrel races. Brad hauled Morgan to youth and junior high rodeos tightening her saddle, leading her in the gate and saying, “have fun” before each of her runs. When Brad was diagnosed with leukemia Morgan relied on her rodeo family and her own steadfast inner strength to continue making her runs without him. Now he will be back with her as she makes every one for the remainder of her life.

Brad is survived by his wife, Holly; children: Beau Smith and Morgan Arnold; father, Chuck Arnold; step-father, Randy Sloan; brother, Chad Arnold; sister, Shelli Thompson and step-siblings: Tara Spidle, Cade Sloan, LeeAnn Millizer and Ray Sloan. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pam Canady and his brother, Jeff Thompson.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 13, 2018 at the Corydon United Methodist Church. Following the service and a luncheon, the family will be making their way to the family pasture for a committal service and all are welcome to attend. Visitation will take place from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon. Memorials may be made to the family and online condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com