Obituaries : Richard Arnold

Richard Arnold, 79, of Grants Pass, Oregon passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at his home. Richard was born February 3, 1946, in Vinton, Iowa to Arthur Bilton and Mary Wilson. Richard and his sister Mary were adopted and raised in Walker, Iowa, by Herbert and Norma Arnold. Richard left home while attending school in Walker. For a while he lived with the Leary family of Walker and later the Miller family of Walker.

After serving in the Navy, Richard lived in California and Oregon, and moved to Grants Pass in 1983. He owned and operated Arnold's Firewood for many years. Later he moved the business to Murphy, Oregon.

Richard was a member of the Rogue Gem and Geology and enjoyed the people he met through the club. He loved gardening, hunting, fishing and working on his property.

Richard is survived by his wife of 48 3/4 years Jan, daughters Kendra Arnold, Sara Arnold and her husband Sabino Rodriguez, son Buck Arnold and daughter-in-law Liz Pell, all of Grants Pass and Murphy, Oregon. He is also survived by his son John (Heather) Hotchkiss of Independence, Iowa whom he thought about for over 60 years and just met a little over one year ago. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, 4 brothers including Dan Freeman of Osage, Iowa, 2 sisters and his Aunt Susie Hansen of Vinton, Iowa, along with other family members and friends here in Iowa.

At Richard's request there will be no services. Stephens Family Chapel in Grants Pass, Oregon is assisting the family.