A LIFE CELEBRATION David Arnold was born in St. Louis Mo. at Homer G. Phillips Hospital on November 18th 1964 to the parents of Mary Arnold and Charles Gates. He was the oldest of four children. David attended public and private schools. His early education was at Seven Day Adventist Academy private school, and Graduated from Central High in 1983 Growing up David was known to the family as “Gates” a name given to him by his Grandfather and to others “Dave” and to some “Diamond D”. David had a passion for boxing and would invite the neighborhood kids over to have their rounds in the backyard. David had a Special Bond with his brother Anthony (Tony), and his Mother Mary, if you saw David you knew his Mother was close by. David also had a Special Love and appreciation for his Grandparents Emmett and Juanita who were like his second parents. David married Linda Wilkes on January 21st 1988, to this union Four (4) children were born. He retired from Fish and Nutts Peanut Co. in St. Paul Mnn. at an early age due to his illness. David accepted Christ at an early age, and later joined Believers Temple under the leadership of Bishop Calvin Scott. David loved his kids dearly, and would do anything to make them happy. He always enjoyed sharing childhood stories, and was the life of any family gathering. David always had a joke to tell and was known for his wonderful smile and infamous laugh, “Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah“. David could not wait to get a story or joke out of you as he looked on and listened with his eyes gleaming and smiling dimples. He would always give you that laugh and ask for you to tell him more. David transitioned his life at DePaul Hospital on October 16th at 11:55. His father Charles Gates preceded him in death. To cherish his memory and celebrate his home-going he leaves his mother, Mary Arnold, his four children Kierra (Chris) Nelson, David Arnold Jr., Mario Arnold, and Diamond Arnold. One brother Anthony (Tony) Arnold of Minneapolis Minn., two sisters DeShonna (Andrew) Wallace of Houston Tx., and Marja McClendon of St. Louis Mo. Eleven grandchildren, Ca’mya Nelson, Camora Nelson, Zion Wilkes, Keylen Wilkes Arnold, J’den Wilkes Arnold, David Wilkes Arnold III, Miami Wilkes, Carlito Wilkes Arnold, Cali Nelson, Paris Wilkes, and Christopher Nelson Jr. Five aunts, five uncles, two great aunts, Pearl Brantley of Chicago ILL and Scharllet Arnold of Detroit Mich. A host of nephews, neices, cousins and friends.