Kernie Arnett, 87, North Manchester, Indiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 3, 2022, at his home. Born in Salyersville, Kentucky, on September 1, 1934, Kernie was the son of the late Galen and Betty (Allen) Arnett.
Kernie spent his first twenty-three years in Kentucky before moving to the North Manchester area in 1957. On Aug 27, 1955, Kernie married the love of his life, Rhoda Whitaker, and the two had six children together. Kernie always knew the value of hard work and taught it to his children. For twenty-eight years he worked at Peabody Seating Company in North Manchester and then for Majestic in Huntington until retiring in 1995. Through his work he became a member of the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association. Even after retirement Kernie still enjoyed keeping busy by tending to his garden and remodeling each room in his house. He also loved to play his banjo.
Kernie had the biggest heart and loved to look out for and help others. He could often be heard saying, “Always be good to others.” A compassionate man, Kernie was also deeply spiritual. He believed in the Lord and was a member of the Gospel Hill Pentecostal Church of God in Silver Lake, where he loved worshiping and having fellowship with his church family. Through the loss of two sons, a grandson, and a great-grandson, Kernie found strength in the Lord.
The loving memory of Kernie Arnett will be forever cherished by his wife of sixty-six years, Rhoda Arnett, North Manchester; son, Robert (Sheila) Arnett, South Whitley; daughters, Carolyn (Frank) Holden, Westfield, Lois (David) Wise, North Manchester, and Rhonda Fruitt, North Manchester; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and his sister, Susie Bailey, Lynn, Indiana. Kernie was preceded in death by his parents, Galen and Betty Arnett; sons, Ronald and Randall “Randy” Arnett; grandson, Frank Holden Jr.; great-grandson, Kingston Wise; four brothers and four sisters.
Family and friends may call Wednesday, February 9, 2022 from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Gospel Hill Pentecostal Church of God, 303 South Jefferson Street, Silver Lake, Indiana. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. with calling beginning at 12:00 noon at the Gospel Hill Pentecostal Church of God. Pastor Justin Harshman will officiate. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester, Indiana.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Kernie Arnett, memorial contributions may be made to the Gospel Hill Pentecostal Church of God, 303 South Jefferson Street, Silver Lake, Indiana 46982.
The family of Kernie Arnett has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
