Joseph Henry Arnold, 78, of Okmulgee, passed away Thursday, September 4, 2025, in Tulsa surrounded by his loved ones. He was born Thursday, April 10, 1947, on a family vacation in Wakefield, R.I. to Henry Joseph and Mary Lue (Sanders) Arnold. Joseph attended Okmulgee High School and graduated with the class of 1966. On July 16, 1968, he married the love of his life, Rebecca Cline, at First Christian Church of Okmulgee. A man of many talents and passions, he found joy in golfing, gardening, working in the yard and woodworking. In high school, he excelled as a fullback and defensive end and proudly held the school shot put record. His athleticism contributed to him placing 3rd in the state for shot put that same year. He had a love for OU Sooners football and was an avid fan.
While serving in the military, he and Becky were stationed in Panama from 1968 to 1970, where he was a Military Police Officer in the Army. During his service, he continued his love of sports by playing and pitching softball. After his service, he dedicated 26 years to working on the pipeline. He served as the lead film interpreter on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and later became a Certified Welding Inspector. His career also included roles at Muskogee Metal Fab and he retired from Air Exchangers at the Port of Catoosa.
Joe is preceded in death by both his parents, Henry Joseph and Mary Lue Arnold, and sister, Paula Wallace. He is survived by his wife, Becky Arnold; his daughters, Crystal Burgess and husband Brian and Lana Watkins and husband Duane; grandchildren, Tiffani Burgess, Trent Burgess, April 10, 1947 – September 4, 2025
Tanner Burgess, Tori Burgess, Madison Welch and husband Cory and Mason Watkins; great grandchildren, Kamden Welch, Kallie Jo Welch, Taytum Burgess and Kaylor Welch; sister, Jacquetta Gormly and husband Calvin; and brother-inlaw, Raymond Wallace, along with many other loving family members. He had a heart full of love for his family – especially his grandbabies and great-grandbabies, who meant the world to him. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the work he took pride in, and the memories held dear by all who knew him.
Friends may visit McClendon-Winters Funeral Home in Okmulgee from 2-6 p.m. Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Family will be present to greet friends from 4-6 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church in Okmulgee, with Rev. Johnny Wagner and Rev. Lawrence Matlock officiating. Interment will follow at Okmulgee Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Trent Burgess, Mason Watkins, Tanner Burgess, Cory Welch, Duane Watkins and Brian Burgess.
Arrangements and services have been entrusted to McClendon- Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Joe’s Tribute Page at www.mcclendon- winters.com.
