Durward Arnold Stout, 98, passed away on April 6, 2017 in Big Rapids. He was born on August 24, 1918 in Altona, MI to Durward H. and Effie (Peavey) Stout. He married Hilda Smith at her parents home near Horton Bay, Charlevoix County on Aug. 3, 1941. Arnold, as he was known, served as a Cpl. in Company E, 127th Inf. of the Michigan National Guard. He was a past president and member of Mecosta Co. Cherry Growers Association and Big Rapids Rotary Club. He was also a past member of Mecosta Co. Farm Bureau, The Agricultural Advisory Council for Mecosta Co. and the Zoning Commission. Arnold, along with his dedicated wife, Hilda and children operated a diversified farm southeast of Stanwood. Fruit was his primary interest but he also raised other cash crops and feed out beef cattle. His handicap made him rely heavily on his wife, children and hired help. Arnold and Hilda retired to a home on Lake Mecosta in 1986. He moved to Remus in 2002. He enjoyed hunting, trapping and fishing. His later years were spent in his garden raising flowers and vegetables. Arnold is survived by one son, Duane (Donna) Stout of Morley, three daughters, Janet Stout of Big Rapids, Diane (Dan) Herin of Hesperia, Peggy McGuire (Bill Pacillo) of Muskegon: one sister Winifred Rushmore of Morley; eight grandchildren, Christopher (Denise) Stout of Cumming, GA, Craig Stout of Broomfield, CO, Pam Stone of Dixon, CA, Rene (Matt) Mello of Glens Falls, NY, Amy (Dave Blinson) of Phoenix, AZ, J.D. Herin of King George, VA, Jason (Greta) McGuire of Hudsonville, MI, Lisa Jalil of Florida ; two step grandchildren Christine (Tim) Frederick and Gary Bruce; 9 great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Nathaniel and Taylor Stout; Tyler, Haylee and Katelynn Mello; Ava Stone; Ashley (Aaron) Goode and Justin Herin; five step great grandchildren, Sidney, Samantha and Logan Feuerbach and Gunner and Emmerson Bruce, and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Arnold was preceded in death by his wife, Hilda, stepmother Mildred Stout, two brothers Gordon and Carol, one sister Eleanor Erickson and one granddaughter, Katrina Herin. The family would like to thank Arnolds caregivers, Karen, Linda, Kathy, Susan and Theresa along with all the other relatives, friends and neighbors who have helped throughout the years on the farm. Funeral services will take place at 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 10, 2017 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the services (from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.) at the funeral home. Burial will be at Higbee Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Arnolds name may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607. Envelopes will be at the funeral home. Share a memory or condolence with the family at the guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Funeral Service Monday, April 10, 2017 02:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307