Arnold “Arnie” Sumila

Arnold “Arnie” Sumila passed away peacefully at his home in Westville, Illinois, on April 4, 2026, with his wife by his side. Born on September 9, 1940, in Danville, Illinois, to Louis “Ale” and Mary (Adams) Sumila, Arnie lived a life filled with love, laughter, and deep devotion to his family and friends. He married his wife, Connie (Huttsell) Sumila, on October 24, 1970.

Arnie is survived by his wife, his son, Kenneth McAllister, and his daughters, Tara Brickley and Danell (Tony) Edgett. He also leaves behind his brother Robert “Bob” (Donna) Sumila, his sister Toni Anne Stella, along with many nieces, nephews, and countless friends who cherished him. His family will forever hold close to the wonderful memories they shared. Arnie was preceded in death by his parents and his dear friends William “Ozzie” and Julia Oswalt.

A proud graduate of Schlarman High School, class of 1958, Arnie went on to serve in the Air National Guard before beginning a long and dedicated career with CSX Railroad, where he worked as a yardmaster and brakeman conductor. He later retired in 2006. Outside of work, Arnie gave many years to the Westville Recreation League as a baseball coach, sharing his love of the game with his son and many young athletes in the community.

Arnie enjoyed watching sports, playing golf, following horse racing, watching the wildlife in his backyard and relaxing outdoors in his favorite lawn chair. He was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan, a passion that began in childhood when he attended games with his father and later continued with his own children. His greatest sports devotion, however, was Notre Dame football. Arnie could talk Notre Dame football for hours with anyone willing to listen, and he attended countless games with his family and lifelong friend, Ozzie.

He was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Westville American Legion Post 51, and the Knights of Columbus. Arnie generously gave his time volunteering at St. Mary’s fish fry dinners and Labor Day events, always ready to lend a hand. His kindness, generosity, and warm sense of humor left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 2 pm to 5 pm at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Westville, Illinois. A funeral Mass celebrating Arnie’s life will take place on Monday, April 13, 2026, beginning at 11:00am, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Westville, with Father Timothy Sauppé officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Danville. The family will gather at the Westville American Legion after the funeral to share memories and stories of Arnie and all that he brought to this world.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Schlarman Academy in Danville, or St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Westville. 

To share memories, photos, or videos, please visit Arnie’s tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome.com.