Arnold “Arnie” Beckel passed away at OhioHealth Mansfield on January 17, 2025 following a challenging battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. He was 78.
He was born on September 29, 1946 to parents Franklin Jr. and Patricia Beckel in Mansfield, Ohio. Growing up in the area he was raised by his father and stepmother Eleanor Beckel, and graduated from Madison Comprehensive High School in 1966. After high school Arnie proudly joined the United States Army and served in Vietnam from 1966-1971.
On July 7, 1977 he married Cindy Dunham, and the couple shared 47 years together.
Arnie’s career led him to work in various fields and businesses, including Westinghouse and Mckinnley Roofing, however he spent the majority of his time with the Army Corp. of Engineers and retired from there in 2006.
In his spare time he enjoyed restoring trucks, mainly his 1964 F100 and his 1978 F150 Custom- which he was immensely proud of, riding quads, cutting firewood, and just hanging out with his best friend and neighbor Gary Smith, and watching Clint Eastwood movies. Above all else though, he loved his family and the time they spent together. Arnie was a firm believer that if you set your mind to something you can achieve it, no matter your gender, which he instilled in his daughters to set them up for success in any career field they chose. He enjoyed the endless supply of snack foods and baked goods his daughter Josie made him. When Arnie’s illnesses became more severe, and Cindy was his caretaker, he still managed to get a sweet treat from every Dairy Queen in the Richland, Ashland, and Morrow County locations.
Arnie is survived by his wife Cindy Beckel, daughters Melinda (Roger) Foust and Josie Beckel, beloved fur-grandbabies Chester and Baylee, sister-in-law Linda (Walter) Rice, brother-in-law Roger (Monna) Dunham, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father Franklin Beckel Jr., stepmother Eleanor Beckel, and brother-in-law Ken Dunham.
Arnie’s life will be celebrated privately per his wishes.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Arnie’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on his obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Bellville Chapel
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com