Eric Eli Arnett

ERIC ELI ARNETT

1961-2024

He loved life. Life loved him back by surrounding him with so much love and wonderful family and friends. His faith kept him strong.

He passed away July 10 at home after fighting so hard to stay here with us. He was diagnosed almost five years ago to the date of his passing with advanced prostate cancer. He fought through years of chemo, new treatments and after using every standard of care available he entered a clinical trial. He worked 40 years as an accountant. And was truly the best of the best. Four of these five years of treatment, he continued working even when it was tough on him. He had many clients that he became close to and considered friends.

He enjoyed so many things. Trips to see his beloved (and sometimes not so beloved) St. Louis Cardinals play at different cities and different ball parks. Making friends everywhere we went. And then trying to avoid these new friends for the rest of our trip. He loved hiking until that wasn’t possible anymore. He loved Greer. If you’ve never been, please go. But mostly he loved his trips to see grandkids. His son Eli was his absolute pride and joy and every minute spent with him was his favorite time. He enjoyed every stage of Eli’s life. Watching his games, watching him grow, watching him fall in love, get married, and most of all, watching him be a dad - knowing that being a father is the best joy. Eli’s friends became his kids. Their parents became his close friends.

He was preceded in death by his mom Ruby. A great mom and friend. He leaves behind his wife Marie that is going to struggle to figure it all out but will try hard to honor him by being strong. He leaves behind his son Eli and his wonderful wife that felt more like a daughter, Erin. And his step kids that he also loved big: Theresa Meyer (Cam), Nicholas Tavasci (Amy), Christina Villas (Dan). He would speak often about how blessed we are to have these kids and their spouses. Could not have asked for more. You all have brought him great joy. He leaves behind his dad, William Arnett – sometimes called Boogie. So many fun memories of his parents, especially those when they lived next door. What a blessing that was. He leaves behind a brother Bret (more like a best friend) and his wife Terri (more like a sister). Time spent with them was always something he enjoyed. They have always watched over him and especially these last days have been such a help and loving support. He leaves behind his sister Jo and her husband Dave. He truly loved them also and enjoyed every moment spent with them. Cousins Tammy and Mike, Wayde and Sandy and Waylon. They grew up close and remained close friends and he truly loved them. He leaves behind a niece Lindsey, her husband Ryan and their adorable kids. (He loved you big Linzer) He leaves behind a niece Taylor (Zan) and their 3 sweet boys, a nephew Jesse, niece Autumn (BJ), nephews Chad and Tim. He leaves behind an ex-wife Dana (Eddie). He remained friends with her and became friends with Eddie. Not many can do that. This speaks volumes about who he was – and also who Dana and Eddie are. The biggest part of his heart was his grandkids. He leaves behind 13 of the most fabulous grandkids. Paisley, William, Conway, Hannah, Tyler, Emma, Trenten, Tanner, Izabella, Emerson, Ara, Conrad and Sage. He loved watching every game. Every movie. Every everything with them. Even doing homework with them – which often involved YouTube to figure out. 

A rosary will be held for him at Westcott Funeral Home on July 29 at 5:00pm. A funeral mass will be held for him at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on July 30 at 10:00am. All are welcome.

You will be missed every single moment of every day.