Thomas Jewell Arnold, 83, of Lebanon, Missouri, and recently of Newport, Arkansas, passed away Monday at White River Medical Center in Batesville. He was born February 4, 1942, in Salem, Missouri, to Stanley and Hazel (Burkdoll) Arnold.
Thomas lived a long, full life, despite many health issues and challenges. He loved his family and his children. He spent many of his younger years with his Aunt Jennie and Uncle Jewell Graven in Falcon, Missouri. A talented auto body technician, he began his career in Kansas City at a Cadillac dealership, where his attention to detail and impeccable paint work quickly earned him a reputation as one of the best. Known by many as “Two-tone Tom” or “Towbar Tom,” he took pride in transforming cars to perfection, paint and body work was his passion and he spent most of his life doing it. He later owned and operated South 5 Used Cars in Lebanon for a decade and was a proud member of the Rods and Relics Club.
He served in the Army Reserves from 1960 to 1968. A lifelong lover of NASCAR, car shows, and antique collecting—especially dishes—Thomas had a curious mind and a knack for turning everyday moments into cherished memories. He had a green thumb and loved sharing starter plants, canning his harvest, and creating his famously tasty “Tom’s concoctions.”
At the age of 60, Thomas accepted Christ and became a man of deep faith, attending church with his daughter Jan and son-in-law Tim. Known as “the candy man,” he brought joy to the children at church with his little bag of sweets. His greatest joy was inspiring others—especially his grandchildren—to live with purpose and integrity, often reminding them, “Life is all about choices.”
In later years, he found joy in road trips with his dear friend Gary Goodwin, reminiscing about old times and swapping stories about classic cars.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob Arnold; sister and brother-in-law, DeEtta and Tom Walker; stepson, Joe Beeks; and great-granddaughter, Makynlee Tipton.
Thomas is survived by his son, Stanley A. Arnold of Dallas, Texas; four daughters, Jan Waterman and husband Tim of Newport, Paula Deason of Lebanon, Missouri, Brandy Sherrer and husband Chad of Lebanon, Missouri and Megan Arnold of Lebanon, Missouri; two stepsons, Brian Monnahan of Lebanon, Missouri, and Derrick Beeks of Stockton, Missouri; two stepdaughters, Cassondra Bernard and husband, Roger of Carrolton, Texas, and Micheala Bradshaw and husband Shawn of Lebanon, Missouri; his step-mother, Estia Arnold of Lebanon, Missouri; 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and a lifetime of friends.
There will be a public grave site service at 10:30 on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Mt. Carney Cemetery 12813 Missouri AD Falcon, Missouri 65470. The family will meet for a private celebration and dinner following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be sent “in Tom’s Memory” to either of the following: L-Life Food Pantry, P.O. Box 2023, Lebanon, MO. 65536 or Manna Food Pantry P.O. Box 575 Newport, AR. 72112
