Olen Raymond Arnett

Olen Raymond Arnett, age 82, of Tecumseh, Oklahoma, walked through the gates of Heaven on January 17, 2026, surrounded by his family. Olen was born to Race Arnett and Velma (Hurst) Arnett on December 7, 1943, in Carr City, Oklahoma.

Olen was partially raised by Jack and Anice Hogan. He attended multiple grade schools in Oklahoma City and graduated from Capitol Hill High School. While attending Capitol Hill, he met and married the love of his life, Ellen Marie Foote. In 1963, they married and in 1965 they started their family together. In addition to being an amazing husband and devoted father, he had a career that spanned over 37 years with the United States Postal Service. He eventually retired from the Postal Service in 2004.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, W.R. and Malettie Hurst; brothers, W.A. Arnett and Harold Arnett; sister, Sue Silver; stepdad, Laurence “Hoot” Gibson and niece, Genea Arnett.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 62 years, Ellen; daughter, Shelly Gorniak and husband Richard, of Spencer; daughter, Elizabeth Arnett, of Shawnee; son, Jonathan Arnett and wife Melanie, of Shawnee; son, William Arnett and wife Natalie, of Shawnee; grandkids: Adrianna, Richie, Autumn, Amber, Kimrey, Jayce, Emma Kaye, Myla, Meagan, Dawson, Sophie and seven great grandchildren.

Olen was loved by many, and he was a devoted husband, father, proud grandfather and great grandfather. He was a devout Christian and was saved and baptized at 7 years old. He was a member of Sharon Baptist Church where he attended with his wife. When not supporting his grandchildren, he enjoyed reading, wood hobbies, and collecting little red trucks, and he loved collecting police badges and police memorabilia.

The family wishes to say a special thank you to Norman Regional 3rd floor staff, Heritage Skilled Nursing Center, Cohesive Hospice, and his private nurse, Samantha, for their care.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to designate Hope Pregnancy Center Shawnee, 318 W. Highland St., Shawnee, Oklahoma 74801, as appropriate for memorials.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Sharon Baptist Church on Friday, January 23, 2026, with Brother Clint Dawkins and Brother Ray Foote officiating.