David C. Arnold, 85, of Peru, IN, passed away at 6:15 A.M., Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at his residence. He was born in Peru on April 25, 1932, the son of Louis & Gretchen Thompson Arnold.

David married Nell Donaldson in Crown Point, IN, on July 31, 1953 and she survives. Dave was a 1950 graduate of Peru High School and a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he has served as a Deacon and Elder.

In his early years Dave was employed by the Nickel Plate Railroad and later joined his parents in the family business, Arnold’s Candies of Peru. An entrepreneur, he joined AGP Corp. taking on ever increasing responsibility ultimately becoming President of the Corporation. Upon the sale of the AGP Corp. in 1979, Dave and Nell purchased the South Side Tavern at the corner of Broadway and Canal and created Shanty Malone’s. They moved to Sanibel Island, FL where they purchased a shopping mall which they operated from 1980 to 1990.

The Arnold family moved back to Peru in 1995 and eventually purchasing the Cutler Hardware and Leonda Mobile Home Court. Dave was enthusiastic about supporting projects and programs to benefit and improve our community. He and Nell were ardent supporters of the Peru Community School Art Collection.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 64 years, Nell, is his daughter, Candace Arnold of Indianapolis, sons Timothy Arnold of Napa Valley, CA, David (Ellen) Arnold of Peru and John Arnold of Peru, grandchildren Jay (Deana) Colter of Peru, Gretchen (Michael) Rabe of Peru, Louis (Kim) Arnold of Las Vegas, NV, Rachel Arnold of London, England, Alex (Jordan) Harts of Amboy, Sam Arnold, Peru, Marc (Chelsie) Arnold of Peru and Kipp (Alexis) Arnold of Peru; great-grandchildren Lilliana Piovesan, Oliver Rabe, Elliot Rabe, Austyn Colter, Taylor Colter, Annabelle Arnold, Avery Arnold, Ari Arnold, Kynzlie Arnold and Korynn Arnold.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, and a brother and sister-in-law Charlie and Margaret Arnold.

Family and friends will gather from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M., Monday, January 22, 2018 at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 West Main Street, Peru.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made through the funeral home to Miami County Helping Hands.

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