Derick D Arnold

Derick "Deke" Dennis Arnold, 60 years old, of Big Springs, Nebraska, passed away Wednesday morning, January 29th in his rural Chappell home from a 3 year long fight against Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS).

Derick was born April 20th, 1964 to Ronald and Nicole Arnold in San Jose, California. He grew up in Big Springs, Nebraska and attended Big Springs High School, graduating in 1982. After high school Derick attended Mid-Plain Community College in North Platte, Nebraska, graduating with an Associate's Degree in 1984. In 1987 he joined the United States Navy, assigned to the USS Proteus as a Petty Officer Third Class Boiler Technician. After a year and three months of sea duty, he received a special assignment in Adak, Alaska as a Shore Patrolman, where he finished out his time in the service. There he met his first wife, and good friend, Kerry Lavery and in 1991 they had their beautiful daughter, Brittany. Derick and Kerry later separated but remained best friends. After his journey in the military, Derick moved back to Anchorage, Alaska and began his construction career at DAR-CON CORP., where he had made many cherished friendships along the way. In June of 2002 Derick married the love of his life, Karen Arnold (Poythress), gaining a son, Riley. Building a beautiful life together they decided to return to Derick's hometown, Big Springs, Nebraska where Derick built their dream home. There they both started their own businesses, with Karen opening her gym and Derick his own construction company.

Derick enjoyed many things in life like hunting, fishing and sports. There wasn't an athletic game he missed watching on TV. His favorite college team was the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He was a Husker through and through. He also enjoyed the company of his 3 dogs, Domino, Dora and Dilly, his triple Ds. If you knew him you know how spoiled and loved his fur babies were. Derick was a grandpa and loved his two grandsons, Jon and Hunter, with all his heart. Family and friendship meant the world to him.

Derick was a man of faith. He believed in the Lord Jesus Christ wholeheartedly. Daily he would listen to Scripture. He had no doubt that when the time was right, the Lord would bring him home to his beloved wife, Karen, who passed away April 4th, 2020 to her battle against breast cancer. Derick has touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of meeting him. He was a kind hearted man who helped those who were in need. His ready grin was so heartwarming and would always make others smile. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for those he loved. He will be loved and missed by all who knew him.

Derick is survived by his daughter Brittany, son-in-law Jay, and grandsons Jon and Hunter Arnold, son Riley Poythress, mother Nicole Husser, brother Ronald S. Arnold, nieces Montica Salazar, Theressa Johnson, Patti Farmer and Melissa Arnold, and, of course, his most cherished and some would say favorite Trio, Domino, Dora and Dilly Arnold. He is also survived by his best friend/brother, Dayton Christensen, many great nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncle, and many, many friends.

There will be a viewing on Wednesday, February 5th from 1-6 pm. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Julesburg, Colorado where people can pay their respects to Derick and his family. Derick's services will be Thursday, February 6th, at 10 am. at the Assembly of God Church in Big Springs, Nebraska, with Chaplain Robin Storer and Pastor Jared Mitchell officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Big Springs Cemetery.

A reception for family and friends will be held after the services at the Hippodrome in Julesburg, Colorado.

A memorial has been established in Derick's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsjulesburg.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.