Douglass Robert Arnott

Doug Arnott, 74, died at home on 7/8/2026 after a short illness. Doug was born in Huntington, Long Island, NY to Charles Arnott and Jeanne Ann Arnott on June 15, 1952. Doug’s first love was the sea, for college he attended the US Merchant Marine Academy in King’s Point, NY, graduating with a dual license for deck and marine engineering in 1974. After several years on merchant ships, he took a break from sailing to pursue a graduate education at the University of Illinois where Doug met Pat. Only God would put together a young woman from the Midwest with a seasoned sailor from New York. After marrying Pat, Doug sailed on steam ships until Pat and Doug decided to start a family. As a Marine Engineer, he would be at sea 2 months then home 2 months. To find more time to be home with his family, Doug started an Apple Computer store in St. Paul, MN. After 2 years, he sold the Computer Store and started training to be a McDonald’s Operator. For the next 28 years, he operated up to 4 McDonald’s Restaurants in the Albany, NY area. When they retired, Pat and Doug came to Eddyville, KY to live on the lake they had vacationed on for 30 years. Even in retirement, Doug spent several years volunteering his engineering skills aboard the Africa Mercy, a hospital ship serving impoverished African countries. He is a Kentucky Colonel and loved and respected by countless friends, family members, acquaintances, and all that he meets. He also volunteered time with the Coast Guard Auxiliary and became qualified as a Coxswain, Instructor, Vessel Examiner, and pilot. Doug loves old cars and completely restored and drove the ’35 Ford that he drove in high school as well as a 1952 Chevy Sedan Delivery called Rusty. Doug instilled the love of family, the sea, and God in his children and grandchildren. Spending time on the water with family was one of the greatest joys in his life. Doug’s defining trait was his selflessness. He gave of himself quietly and consistently, offering his time, skills, and presence wherever they were needed. He served his church throughout his life, and never hesitated to drop everything to help family, friends, or anyone who needed a hand. His selflessness wasn’t something he practiced – it was the steady, natural expression of who he was. Doug is survived by his wife of 45 years, Pat Prow Arnott, Sister Annabel Koch, Brothers Charles (Carla) Arnott, Gordon (Carol) Arnott, and Bruce (Ann) Arnott, Children Jeremy (Marissa) Arnott, Corey (Chris) Arnott, and Cheryl (Dan) Arnott Cleveland; Grandchildren – Felix, Grace, Quinn, Abigail, James, Penny, +1 to come; many nieces and nephews and many loving neighbors, church family, and friends. Doug is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Jeanne Arnott, Pat’s parents James Prow and Donna Davis, Beverly Prow and Jean Prow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mercy Ships or Hope food bank of Lyon County.

Douglass Robert Arnott

June 15, 1952 - July 8, 2026