Gregory Steven Arnold, 74, of rural Columbia City, passed away at 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.

Born on April 6, 1952, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was the eighth child of eleven children born to the late Raymond C. and Bernadine (Wilhelm) Arnold. Raised in the Arcola area, he graduated from Carroll High School in 1970.

Growing up on a farm, Greg learned early on the value of hard work and keeping busy, carrying that ethic throughout his life. Mechanically inclined, he worked in building maintenance and became an electrician. He worked for Allen County at the City/County Building and then spent 18 years as an electrician at the Memorial Coliseum. Not satisfied to stay at home in retirement, he worked at the Fort Wayne Tractor Supply.

He enjoyed vegetable gardening at his country home, especially growing tomatoes and sweet corn that he shared with family and friends. Partial to German Shepherds, he had many through the years, leaving behind Ace & Belle. A great storyteller, he could capture his audience's attention.

Surviving are his children, Nathan W. (Melinda) Arnold of Columbia City, Zenda M. (John) Tyler of Brownsburg, IN, and Travis (Elizabeth) Arnold of Columbia City; ten grandchildren; one great grandchild; his significant other, Marla Esterline; and his siblings, Nelda Starszak of Milwaukee, Nolan Arnold of San Antonio, TX, Stanley (Tencha) Arnold of Fort Wayne, Margaret Jeannie (Gene) Frieburger of Fort Wayne, Kevin (Terry) Arnold of Fort Wayne and Duane (Rita) Arnold of Warsaw.

He was also preceded in death by sisters, Lorenza Brooks and Rosalie Placek, and brothers, Nelson and Alan Arnold.

Visitation is 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday (Sept 3rd) with a funeral service at 7 p.m. at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. A private family burial will take place at St. Patrick Cemetery in Arcola.

Memorials in Greg’s honor are to the Humane Society of Whitley County or The Kidney Foundation.