Alva “Jake” Arnett, 71, of Mt. Vernon, passed away Saturday, October 23, 2021, at his home. 

He was born November 28, 1949, in Mt. Vernon, the son of Harry and Lillie (Beal) Arnett.  On June 11, 1983, in Mt. Vernon, he married Susan Tackitt, and she survives.

Jake was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Vietnam War, and later worked as a forklift operator at Continental Tire for 35 years.  He was a graduate of Field Grade School and Mt. Vernon Township High School.  He enjoyed horseback riding and bird hunting, and liked to raise cattle and bale hay. 

In addition to his wife, Susan Arnett of Mt. Vernon, he is survived by his mother, Lillie Arnett of Mt. Vernon;  two childr, Jessie Arnett of Mt. Vernon and Jake David Arnett and wife Jessie Noel of Mt. Vernon;  two grandchildren, Kasen Parks and Ellie Arnett, both of Mt. Vernon;  two brothers, Jack Arnett of Bluford, and Bob Arnett of Mt. Vernon;  and three sisters, Peggy Arnett of St. Louis, Barbara Arnett of Tennessee, and Connie Simmons of Texico.

Funeral services for Mr. Arnett will be held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, October 28, 2021, at the Osborn Funeral Home in Dix, with Rev. Randy Hayes officiating, and Military rites will be accorded by American Legion post #141 of Mt. Vernon. Visitation will be held Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., at the funeral home.  Following the funeral service, and in accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded.  Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society, and will be received at the service, or by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830.  Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.