Olen Raymond Arnett passed away on Jan. 17, 2026. Olen was born to Race Arnett and Velma (Hurst) Arnett on Dec. 7, 1943, in Carr City, OK.
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. His career spanned over 37 years with the United States Postal Service retiring 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.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to designate Hope Pregnancy Center Shawnee, 318 W. Highland St., Shawnee, OK 74801, as appropriate for memorials. A celebration of life will be held at 10 am at Sharon Baptist Church on Jan. 23, 2026, with Brother Clint Dawkins and Brother Ray Foote officiating.
