Chayce Andrew Jay Arnold

Chayce Arnold, 16, rural Emporia, Kansas, passed away at his grandmother's home on Friday, July 17, 2026.

Chayce Andrew Jay “Tater” Arnold was born in Emporia, Kansas on April 3, 2010. Chayce is survived by his father; Larry Arnold, and his wife, Leah, Emporia, Kansas, and mother; Nicole Smith-Levenhagen, and her husband, James, Grand Junction, Colorado, brothers; Brandon, Jordan, Cayson, and Coltyn Arnold, Emporia, Kansas and Ganynn Smith, Grand Junction, Colorado, sisters; Whitney (Eric) Mouse, Jasper, Missouri, and Gracelynn Smith, Grand Junction, Colorado, grandparents; Karen “Sue” Arnold, Emporia, Kansas, and Jerry Estell, Jr. Wichita, Kansas, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many who loved him.

He was preceded in death by grandparents; Kenneth Arnold and Jan Estell.

Chayce had just completed his sophomore year at Emporia High School and took part in Special Olympics while there. He had the brightest smile to warm any room. He was warrior with a fighting spirit moving more mountains than he was ever expected. He had a great love for music with a great beat, loved hot wheels, fire trucks, and trains.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at the Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, Emporia. Burial will follow in the Cottonwood Cemetery, west of Emporia. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday from 7:00 P.M. until 8:30 P.M.

Memorials have been established with the Special Olympics of Kansas and the Children’s Miracle Network. Contributions may be sent through the funeral home, PO Box #175, Emporia, Kansas 66801