Funeral arrangements for Arnel Monroe announced

Funeral arrangements for late Hickman football coach Arnel Monroe have been announced.

A memorial service will be held in Hickman’s Alumni Stadium on Thursday, June 9, at 7 p.m. The funeral will be held at The Crossing – 3615 Southland Drive – on Saturday, June 11. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with services beginning promptly at 11.

Flowers and condolences may be sent to H.T. May and Sons Funeral Home, 2207 Holly Avenue, Columbia, MO 65202.

Monroe died the morning of June 5 from an apparent heart attack. He was 49 years old. The school district has been making counselors available for students and staff.

Monroe graduated from Hickman in 1985. The man who was affectionately known as “Spanky” by his friends and family became Hickman’s head football coach in 2011. His most successful season as head coach came in 2012, when Hickman went 9-2 and earned an overtime win over rival Rock Bridge in the district semifinal.

Monroe’s players shared their tributes on Twitter Sunday morning after hearing the news of his passing.

“You always put players before yourself,” said Hickman quarterback Carter Nicoli via Twitter. “You didn’t just leave an impact on myself, but everyone you have coached along the way. Love ya and rest easy Spank.”

“Thankful for the guidance and discipline that man gave us,” wrote former Hickman player Justise Keith, who plays at Missouri Southern State University. “He turned us all into better man.”

“I should have seen him before I left…cherish every moment with your loved ones they won’t be here forever,” wrote former Hickman standout Alex Keith, who plays defensive end for the University of Minnesota.