Arnold Ethard Pearson

Arnold Ethard Pearson, 82, of Paola, Kansas died Wednesday January 28, 2026 at Colonial Oaks Senior Living in Spring Hill, Kansas. 

He was born August 27, 1943 in Lawrence, Kansas the son of Paul Pearson and Maggie Esther (Dunn) Pearson. He graduated from Lawrence High School with the class of 1961.

On August 18,1963, Arnold was united in marriage to Sheila Thornton in Lawrence, Kansas. 

From 1967 until 1969, Arnold served his country in the United States Army, earning the rank of Specialist 4th Class. While in the Army, Arnold deployed to Germany, earned the National Defense Service Medal and awarded a Sharpshooter badge with the M-14. 

Arnold worked for a laundry service delivering laundry and for the Lawrence Paper Company. He also worked at K-mart Distribution as an order filler until he retired. 

Arnold lived a quiet life. On Saturdays during his childhood he often enjoyed walking with family to the Granada and Varsity theaters in Lawrence, KS to catch a matinee. For over 15 years, Arnold was an usher for K.U. football, which he loved doing. He would take his son Eric with him, and after working the first half they would watch the second half together.  He loved movies, especially westerns including John Wayne and Roy Rogers. He also enjoyed listening to music, especially soundtracks and his favorite Artist was Frank Sinatra. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Pearson and Maggie Moore, and four siblings, Cecil Pearson, Nadine Young, Stanley Pearson, and Murvin Pearson. 

He is survived by his wife, Sheila Thornton McCurdy Pearson of the home; a son, Eric Pearson of Paola, KS; a daughter, Erica Swanson and her husband, Billy, of Eudora, KS; two sisters, Janice Easum of Lawrence, KS and Aleen Barnes of Fredericksburg, VA; four grandsons, Austin Patz, Logan Oliveira, Ty Pearson, and Jett Swanson; and four great-grandchildren, Beau Patz, Averie Patz, Emilio Oliveira, and Dawson Patz. 

There will be no formal services.  Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

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