Steven Eugene Arnett
1954 – 2023
Steven Eugene Arnett passed quietly on March 2, 2023, surrounded by his loving family in Edmond, OK. He was born December 9, 1954 to Erma (Simpson) & Willis (Pee Wee) Arnett in Guthrie, OK. He was raised in Coyle, OK and graduated from Coyle Public Schools in 1973.
Musically gifted, Steve was a founding member of a local band “Ricky and the Raiders.” He was the lead guitar player and being naturally talented he could play about any song after hearing it only once.
On August 22, 1975, Steve married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Rheta Longan. They made their home in Coyle, OK. He attended Central State University and Langston University and worked at Auto quip in Guthrie, OK.
After the birth of their son Steven Joseph “Joey” Arnett, they moved to Edmond, OK where he worked until his retirement as a successful homebuilder. A few years after moving to Edmond, they welcomed a daughter Erin Gayle Arnett.
Steve enjoyed gardening, traveling, fishing, fixing things, camping, playing music, but most of all he enjoyed his two grandsons, Braxton and Mason. He was a great son and brother, a loving husband and father and a doting “Pa” (grandfather).
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Charles and Doug, son Joey, mother and father-in-law Jack & Alpha Longan and brothers-in-law Jack Shafer and Phil Longan.
He is survived by his wife Rheta of the home, daughter Erin and husband Auston Bell, and grandsons Braxton & Mason Bell. In addition he is survived by sister-in-law Norma Arnett, Edmond, OK, as well as in laws Gary & Sue Longan, Perkins, OK, Rhonda Shafer, Mulhall, OK, Stan & Sherry Longan, Stillwater, OK, Toni & Rob Coleman, Perkins, OK and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss him dearly.
Graveside services have been entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Matthews Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 6, 2023, at Oak Grove Cemetery Coyle, OK. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Oak Grove Cemetery Association 6722 W. 128th Perkins, OK 74059.
We knew him as Diesal Arnett growing up. I can remember him and Pewee driving down Coyle Road before it was blacktop Steve sitting on the hood facing Pewee on an Allis Chalmers tractor.
Stevie as we called him in the late 70’s and I were probably some of onrious guys in Payne and Logan county, we had numerous adventures that would not fly in today’s society. He was a great guy and colorful companion no matter the venue.
Unfortunately we drifted apart over the years but I will always consider him in hi regard and I know Rheta Joyce and the rest of the family will miss him dearly.