2.4.1.1.4 Rex Terrance Arnold
Biography of 2.4.1.1.4 Rex Terrance Arnold
(10 July 1949 – 1 June 2021)
Early Life
Rex Terrence Arnold, the fourth child of Walter Erwin Arnold and Mona Arnold, was born on 10 July 1949 in Loxton, South Australia. He grew up on the family’s pastoral farm at New Residence, where his childhood was filled with outdoor adventures and family life.
From an early age, Rex developed a love for breeding and training Kelpies, camping, fishing, yabbying, and game hunting. He enjoyed helping his parents with farm duties and shared a special bond with his mother, assisting her in gardening and cooking. His passion for horticulture grew as he learned about flowers and native flora, favouring orchids, roses, gladioli, and liliums.
Rex was also an avid reader, enjoying novels such as James Bond, Famous Five, and Biggles. Music played a significant role in his life; he played guitar and admired artists like Glenn Miller, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Seekers, John Lennon, Daddy Cool, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, and Robbie Williams.
Education and Youth
Rex attended Loxton High School for about 18 months, where he played football and cricket and participated in Royal Youth activities. He shared a close bond with his brothers John and Glen and cousins Bronwyn and Gail. Leaving school at 15½ in 1964, Rex worked on the family farm for several years.
Military Service
Rex’s sense of duty led him to join the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) on 18 September 1967, serving with the 10th Royal South Australian Regiment (RSAR) until 1969.
On 15 January 1970, Rex enlisted as a National Serviceman in the Australian Army. After completing training at 2 Recruit Training Battalion (Puckapunyal), he attended the School of Artillery in Sydney and later served with 131 Divisional Locating Battery and 161 Independent Reconnaissance Flight.
Rex deployed to Vietnam on 17 December 1970, returning on 21 September 1971. He was discharged from National Service on 15 November 1971, but his commitment continued with further CMF service until 1975.
2.4.1.1.4 Rex Arnold with his Grandson Nick taken in 2006
Love and Family
After returning from Vietnam, Rex met Rose Ann Meenagh, a registered nurse with Irish heritage. Their first meeting was memorable—Rex boldly declared, “I’m going to marry you one day!” True to his word, Rex and Rose Ann married on 24 February 1973 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Payneham, followed by a lively garden reception steeped in Irish tradition.
The couple began married life travelling for shearing and farm work before settling in Loxton. They welcomed their first child, Jody, in 1975, and later a son, Tristan, in 1977. Rex faced heartbreak with a miscarriage in 1976 and the tragic loss of his father Walter in 1977, events that deeply affected him.
Career and Achievements
Rex worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Starting as a gang labourer with the Loxton Highways Department, he rose to become a Supervisor at the Keith Depot (1983–1986), overseeing major projects such as the Dukes Highway upgrade. Later, he moved to Adelaide to supervise works on the South Eastern Freeway revamp, Adelaide Grand Prix tracks, and the Heysen Tunnel.
A strong advocate for safety, Rex petitioned for mandatory high-visibility clothing and improved roadside signage—changes that became standard practice and saved countless lives.
Later Years and Legacy
Health challenges, including a major heart attack at 41, led to early retirement at 52. Rex embraced woodworking and cherished his role as a devoted grandfather to Felicity (1995) and Nicholas (1998), and later great-grandfather to Spencer (2019).
In 2006, Rex’s name was honoured on the Vietnam War Memorial at Torrens Parade Grounds. He proudly attended ANZAC Day marches and remained active in his community, volunteering at local clubs.
Rex passed away peacefully on 1 June 2021 at Millicent Hospital. He was laid to rest at Carinya Gardens Cemetery, Mount Gambier, close to his beloved family.
A Life Remembered
Rex Arnold was a man of resilience, loyalty, and love. From his service in Vietnam to his dedication as a husband, father, and grandfather, Rex lived a life marked by courage and compassion. His legacy endures in the hearts of those who knew him and the family who loved him dearly.
Written By his daughter, Jody Arnold.
Click for record of service