William "Bill" Louis Arnold, age 84, of Springfield, Mo., passed away at 9:48 a.m. on Friday, October 13, 2017.

Mr. Arnold was a devoted husband and father who had a passion for teaching young adults. Bill graduated from Central High School in Springfield, Mo., in 1950. After high school Bill joined the Navy Reserves at age 18. After 8 years in the Naval Reserves, Bill enlisted in the Navy and was stationed at North Island Naval Air Station on Coronado Island for two years. His love of his country was unwavering, serving as a flight engineer during the Korean War.

After the war, Bill began working on his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Education at Southwest Missouri State University. After graduating in 1960, he began his teaching career in Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, Mo. During his 30 years as a high school teacher, he taught mathematics and drafting at both Central High School and Graff Vocational-Technical School. Always striving to further his knowledge, he completed his Master's in Science and Specialist Degrees in Educational Administration.

An avid outdoorsman, his hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping, and boating. He enjoyed making custom fishing lures and rods, sharing them with friends and family. He spent his summers working as a youth counselor for Springfield Parks and Recreation.

Bill is survived by his wife, Neoma, of 65 years on March 1, 2018; three daughters, Lucinda Jane and husband Jay William Goetz of St. Charles, Mo., Belinda Mae Arnold of Springfield, Mo., Melissa Ann and husband Jeffrey Dean Scranton of Springfield, Mo.; two grandchildren, Alexander William and Amelia Marie Scranton.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 17, 2017 in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 East Seminole, Springfield, MO, 65804. Services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home.  Graveside services with full military honors will follow in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 South Southwood, Springfield MO, 65807, at Springfield Lake. Flowers can be sent to Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.