Charles Loren Arnold's Obituary
Charles Loren (Cotton/Charlie) Arnold of Tulsa, OK passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at his home at the age of 84.
Cotton was born in Pittsburg, KS on July 19, 1941, to Lester Dean and Beulah Arnold in his childhood home. His first job at 11 years old was setting bowling pins by hand without automation! He delivered newspapers on his blue Cushman Eagle at 5 am every morning and would get home in time to make it to school. He played baseball many summers and liked to hang out at the local pool hall. He graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1959 and went on to attend Tulsa University.
Cotton met Elaine Evans when he was 15 years old. He would come by her house on his scooter and drive back and forth until he got her attention. They dated throughout high school and were married on December 27, 1959, at Grace United Methodist Church in Pittsburg, Kansas. They soon moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1960. He was a devoted husband to Elaine for over 66 years. They moved to Houston, Texas for five years and he always said those were his favorite memories.
Cotton worked at retail grocery stores in the Tulsa area for over 35 years. Cotton and Elaine owned Arnold’s Food Centers in Tulsa and Catoosa for 10 years. His wife, daughters and their husbands worked alongside him. He loved visiting with his customers and truly created a family environment. You could hear his laughter resonating throughout the stores.
Cotton and Elaine attended Rose Hill United Methodist in Tulsa for several years. The young adult Sunday school class voted for him to be their Sunday School teacher when he was in his early 20’s and only a few years older than them! Cotton enjoyed gardening and creating a beautiful oasis around their backyard pool. In his younger years, he loved playing a round of golf with family and friends. He loved floating on a raft in their beautiful backyard. He was the “master” turkey carver every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Every time he would cook out on the grill he would always say “I think this is going to be the best meal yet!” He loved traveling to foreign destinations with Elaine on numerous trips with fellow grocers.
Cotton was a devoted Daddy and Papa. His young at heart and playful demeaner will never be forgotten. He supported his daughter’s and Grand’s by attending ball games, Girl Scout campouts, art shows and numerous other events. He truly enjoyed cheering on his Grands. He was everyone’s #1 fan. Cotton and Elaine had numerous pets that were part of the family. His little dog Freddy was so devoted to him the last few years. He was a special companion to Cotton.
Cotton is preceded in death by his parents Dean and Beulah Arnold, siblings Noel D. Arnold and Betty Lou McCarthy, sister-in-law Janice Evans, brother-in-law Charley Clegg and nephew Paul Bothe.
Those left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 66 years, Elaine Arnold; his three daughters Lynette (Lynnie) and husband Charles (Chuck) Johnson, Lisa and husband Richard Harrington, Laralea and husband Mike Grogg, all living in the Tulsa area; six grandchildren Amanda Indermill, Emily Harrington, Ryan and wife Sarah Johnson, Jacob Brown, Grace and husband Dallas Bailey and Meghan and husband Tim Silver; four great grandchildren Mason Cole Indermill, Owen Michael Johnson, Amelia Joy Harrington and Harper Ray Johnson.
A memorial service honoring his life will be held at 12:30 pm, Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Floral Haven Funeral Home, Broken Arrow, OK. We would love to have family and friends join us in the Family Center located on the property from 1:30 - 3:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to ARF Tulsa Animal Rescue on their website.
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