William E. Arnott

William E. Arnott, of Steelville, MO, was born on Monday, October 19,1931, in Salem, MO to William “Pete” Archie Arnott and Ruby Pearl (Burris) Arnott. He passed away at Cuba, Manor in Cuba, MO on Sunday, October 4, 2020 at the age of 88 years, 11 months and 15 days.

William graduated from Steelville High School in the class of 1949 and then attended Southeast Missouri State College until joining the United States Airforce.  After his time in the service had ended, he went back to college where he obtained his BSE in Business Education and Masters in High School Administration. William married Rubye “Zardrelle” Ramer on December 23, 1958 in Jonesboro, AR and to this union two children were born. He taught school in Cherryville, Madison, FL, one year in California, six years for Steelville and then finished the remainder of his career at Kemper Military School in Boonville, MO.  William received many awards while teaching such as the Who's Who Award and made the rank of Captain at Kemper Military School.  He and Zardrelle both retired when William’s health began to decline so that they could travel and enjoy one another’s company.  William was a member of First Baptist Church in Steelville, MO where he attended many years.  He was a member of the VFW in Boonville, MO and the travel clubs ROD and Coast to Coast.  William enjoyed playing golf, tennis and riding bikes.  He and Zardrelle rode the 19-mile bike route from Frisco, CO to Breckenridge, CO. In high school he ran track and played basketball and baseball.  He liked to be out on his farm.  Most of all, William loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his wife.

He was preceded in death by his parents Pete and Ruby Arnott; parents-in-law Vester and Rubye (Hamilton) Ramer; brother-in-law James (Bonnie) Ramer and sister-in-law Gladys Osteen. 

He is survived by his wife of over 62 years Zardrelle Arnott; daugthers Carol (David) May of Eureka, MO and Kayla Arnott of Madisonville, KY; two grandchildren Mitchel (Caroline) May of Webster Groves, MO and Melissa May of Kansas City, MO; two great grandchildren Avett May and Dylan May; brother-in-law Wayne Osteen of Heron, MT; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family chose cremation as his final disposition.  Visitation was from 9:30 am - 11:00 am on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, MO.  Memorial Service immediately followed at 11:00 am with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorials were suggested to First Baptist Church, Steelville, MO.

Arrangements under the care of Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, MO.

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