Funeral services celebrating the life of James Arender will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 12:00 pm in the chapel of Gallagher, funeral home, ball Louisiana with Rev. Jake Dardar officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Greenwood Memorial Park in Pineville, Louisiana.
James Keith Arender, age 57, of Deville passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at his residence. Keith was preceded in death by his father, James Harry Arender; his beloved daughter, Olivya Arender; and his brother-in-law, Brandon Jenkins; paternal grandparents, James Howard and Ethel Chaler Arender; maternal Grandparents, Raymond and Audine Gates Morace; Uncles, Emmit Charles Morace, and Larry Arender; Nephew, Logan Taylor Jenkins.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 38 years Stacy Jenkins Arender; Mother, Gaynell Ballard; son, James Kameron Arender (Kayla); daughter, Abby Jenkins (Chris DeSoto); granddaughter, Harmony Arender Harris; sister, Lisa Arender Dellenger (Michael); stepmother Shirley Arender; mother and father-in-law, Patricia and Ronald Jenkins; stepbrother, Brian Blake (Angel); sister-in-law, Karri Hough (Greg); Aunts, Jeanette Arender Ray and Jayme Arender,; nieces, Madison Dellenger, Katie Dellenger, Julie Hough, Kylie Thibodeaux (Dreyton), and Bella Jenkins (Drake); nephew, Jacob Hough; aunt, Rita Kaye Lachney.
He was born on January 10, 1969, in Alexandria, Louisiana. He was raised in Pineville, Louisiana, and graduated from Pineville High School, class of 1987. Keith lived a life defined by service, hard work, family, and a deep love for those around him.
Keith proudly dedicated approximately 27 years to the Louisiana Army National Guard, along with service on active duty and in the Army Reserve. He served overseas during the Gulf War in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and answered the call to serve his fellow Louisianans during Hurricane Katrina. He served as a Heavy Construction Equipment Operator and Combat Engineer, eventually achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) and serving as a Drill Sergeant. Throughout his military career, Keith received numerous medals, honors, and awards recognizing his dedication and service.
Keith also devoted his life to caring for others. In 1995, he graduated from Alexandria Vocational-Technical School as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and worked as a nurse until 2005. He then began a new chapter as a Drill Sergeant with the Youth Challenge Program at Camp Beauregard, where he took great pride in guiding young people and sharing the discipline and life lessons he had gained through his military service.
Above all, Keith was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, son, brother, and family man. Keith always found happiness in the simple things in life. He loved hunting, fishing, spending time outdoors, and especially gardening. He took great pride in his garden and especially loved growing Cherokee Purple tomatoes. Gardening brought him genuine happiness and peace.
Keith was a man who served his country, cared for others, guided young people, and loved his family deeply. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, courage, service, kindness, and love. The lives he touched and the memories he created will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
The family requests that visitation be held Friday, September 4, 2026 beginning at 10:00 am in the chapel of Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball, Louisiana.
His service may have ended, but the love he gave and the legacy he leaves behind will never be forgotten.