AVA - John Wayne Arnold, age 73 of Ava, IL died February 16, 2020 in St. Louis, MO. He was born September 13, 1946 in Carrier Mills, IL to the late Jack Holmes and Joyce (Kremer) Arnold.

He is survived by his loving wife Audrey Arnold, sons James (Leanne) Arnold, Matt (Elisha) Arnold, four grandchildren Caroline, Claire, Lilly and Jack, brother Jack (Ginger) Arnold, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.

John co-owned and operated Cars, Inc. in Carbondale for 29 years. John and his wife Audrey of 41 years, enjoyed spending time together at their home in the River Bottoms, socializing, and cooking together. He celebrated life through his love for his sons and grandchildren. John was an avid hunter, fisherman, and was renowned for his huge garden. He loved NASCAR, Cardinal Baseball, Vikings Football and politics. If you asked John for help with something he was there for you ready to do whatever was needed. John was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic church on June 3, 2017 and loved God and spoke of him often. John's mission in life was to do the best that he could in everything that he did. He was a hard-working generous man and everyone who knew him loved him.

John was preceded in death by his brothers William, David, Larry and Charles Arnold; Audrey's parents, Elmer & Josephine Larson; sisters-in-law Janet Lashinski and Marie Wolters; nephew Andrew Arnold; cousins, parents and grandparents.

Funeral mass will be held at 10 AM, Saturday, February 22, 2020, at the St. Ann Catholic Church, Raddle, with Father Gary Gummersheimer and Father Leo J. Hayes officiating, and burial will follow at the Glenn Cemetery, Rockwood. Visitation will be held on Friday evening at the Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava where friends may call from 5 to 8 PM, with a Rosary being held at 8 PM, and then on Saturday from 8:00 am until 9 am. Memorials may be made to the family and to Glen Cemetery.