Edmond "Omar" Wardell Arnold

Sergeant (RET) Edmond Wardell "Omar" Arnold was born January 21, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois to Robert and Lee C. Arnold, who both preceded him in death. He was the seventh of nine children. He was preceded in death by three brothers: Luster D., Jerome and Eugene.

Edmond accepted Christ at an early age and for over forty years was a member of Life Center C.O.G.I.C. During that time, he was a faithful member of the Royal Voices of Life, Couple's Ministry, and The Men in Black Ministry. As a choir member, he went to choir rehearsal faithfully and could be seen on any given Sunday with a lead selection.

Edmond graduated from DuSable High School in Chicago, Illinois. After graduation he became involved in various Civil Right Movements. He was a member of the black panther party, assisted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with registering Black voters in Chicago, as well as a very active member of the Rainbow Push Coalition under the leadership of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson. He enlisted in the United States Army. During this time, he held various assignments, was an active soldier during the Vietnam Era and Desert Storm.

While in the United States Army he held positions such as: Physical Therapy Specialist, Combat Medic, Honor Guard, and Medical Support Staff. From these assignments, Edmond was awarded many accolades. This included, but not limited to, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; War on Terrorism Service; Armed Forces Reserve; Non-commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon; Expert Badge; Active Duty in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Edmond then became an Army Reservist and stayed in that position until he retired. Edmond subsequently went on to work for Cook County in a multitude of departments, positions, and assignments.

He worked at Oak Forest Hospital as a dietary cook, then went on to work for the Cook County Sheriff's Department. He volunteered as an Honor Guard for different events; he co-headed different children's programs under Sheriff Michael Sheehan as well as programs that assisted inmates with the prevention of recidivism.

He was promoted to Correctional Officer Sergeant where he held various positions and assignments. Some include, but not limited to: Intergovernmental and Community affairs under the supervision of the Administrative Liaison to Sheriff Michael Sheehan and External Operations. Edmond worked in the Cook County Jail until he retired. After his retirement, Edmond was content watching his "Cowboy shows" and countless sporting events on television, going to church and loving his family.

As a young man, Edmond met and married Elaine Jackson, from this union two daughters were born; Lisa and Joy. They remained married until Elaine was called home to be with the Lord. Edmond then married Joan Barrett-Trimble. During this time family and family gatherings became the joy of his life. You could often hear him singing one of his favorite songs, "Emmanuel" by Norman Hutchins, during many family get-together. At these assemblies everyone was welcomed and received with love, an left with merry hearts and full tummies.

Edmond was a very loving, quiet, and humble man. Those that knew him loved him for his kindness and considerate ways. He loved and respected everyone who crossed his path, it didn't matter who they were or where they where from, he always saw the best in them. Edmond was an avid reader and civil rights historian. He loved sharing stories his work with Civil Rights and Freedom Movements during family gatherings. His greatest joy in life was servicing the Lord, being an excellent husband; father; and a devoted family member. Edmond was a man of calm...Excellence.

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