Claude "Gene" Arnold
January 18, 1947 ~ March 25, 2025
On Tuesday March 25, 2025, Claude “Gene” Arnold, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and dear friend to many, passed away at age 78.
Gene was preceded in death by the love of his life, Carmel McCadden, his father Namon, and his mother, Lorene. Gene is survived by his brother, David Arnold, sister, Sue Lang (Dave), sister, Vicki Pylant (Bob), daughter, Melanie Bowes (Mike), son, Donald McCadden (Pam), son, John Hamrick (Amber), son, Chad Fowler, nine grandsons, two granddaughters, four great grandsons, numerous nieces and nephews, and several lifelong friends.
Gene was born on January 18, 1947, to Namon and Lorene (Smythers) Arnold in Leonardtown, MD. He graduated from Leonardtown High School in 1965 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of MD in 1982 and a Master of Science degree from Florida Tech in 1989. Gene was a Computer Programmer and Mathematician with the Department of Defense from 1969 until he retired in 2004.
In high school Gene was co-captain of the varsity basketball team. Gene played forward and had a great set shot from the corner of the key. Gene was passionate about cars. One he most often spoke about was his “yallow” 1957 Chevrolet that he kept in pristine condition. Gene was a card playing, dart throwing, beer drinking, live life to the fullest man. Gene loved the Maryland Terps, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Redskins, and was even known to cheer on the Baltimore Ravens at times. Gene was attached at the hip with Carmel, and they enjoyed many adventures in their 25 years together.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Belmont Farm in Clements, MD on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The address for The Belmont is: 24079 Budds Creek Road, Clements, MD 20624.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.





Gene was a great guy. He and Carmel made a great team. Sorry we will not be there. Love to you all. Rest in peace with your beloved Carmel. Mary and Greg Copado.
As I’m not trying to write this for the fourth time I just want to say that I have so many fond memories of Dad and I will cherish the things we did together for the rest of my life. I am so thankful that I was able to see Dad we were able to share a few personal moments. The last thing I said to Dad was that I love you and he looked me square in the eye and said I love you too buddy. That was always his response. I’m so grateful we were both present in that moment. My condolences to everybody in the family.
I’ve known Gene since our Leonardtown Wharf days when he’d come in with David. I watched many of their softball games. My sincere condolences to the family. RIP Gene.
I have known Gene and Carmel many years. Gene was always at her side and always looked out for her. He was a good man and I am glad I had the opportunity to know him. I met both of them when I worked at the Lexington Park Post Office.
Joe Cooper
So sorry for the loss to his family and friends! I knew Gene for about fifty years or so. His mom and sister lived next door to us and that is when I first met him. He was a very nice guy and always seemed happy. I was really glad when he found his mate with Carmel, since she was a long time friend also. RIP my friend and enjoy being with your love, Carmel, again.
Sandy and Terry Heineman
Calabash, NC