Arnold L. Fast, age 90, of Celina, Ohio, passed away at 8:40 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in St. Marys, Ohio.

He was born on July 25, 1936, in Jefferson Township, Mercer County, Ohio, to the late Ivan and Emma (Rasawehr) Fast. Arnold graduated from Celina Senior High School in 1954. Following graduation, he served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960, spending time in Germany, where he formed many lasting friendships. Through the International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE), he also had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe, visiting Switzerland, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Holland, France, and Italy.

Arnold shared 50 years of his life with his companion, Anita Cisco, who preceded him in death. Together, they bred, raised, and raced Standardbred horses for 40 years. Their passion for harness racing took them to tracks throughout Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. Arnold was a member of the United States Trotting Association and a past member of the Mercer County Horsemen’s Association. His love of harness racing was one of the great joys of his life, and the memories made throughout those 40 years remained among his most treasured.

Arnold was preceded in death by his beloved companion, Anita Cisco; his parents, Ivan and Emma Fast; his sisters, Henrietta (Harry) Barber and Ruth (Bill) Sites; his niece, Beverly Sites; his nephew, Roger Sites; and Daniel Beckstedt.

He is survived by his nieces, Lucinda (Kim), Lynnette (Jack), Luanne, Lisa (Tim), Colleen (Randy), Teresa, and Peggy (Doug), along with many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish his memory.

Arnold and his business partner, Dick Riegel, operated a trophy and blanket business specializing in blankets for harness racing and special racing events, including the Little Brown Jug (LBJ) and the Breeders Crown.

Beyond his love of horses, Arnold had many interests and talents. He was an avid genealogist who devoted countless hours to researching and documenting the histories of both the Fast and Rasawehr families. He enjoyed gardening and planting flowers, and he proudly exhibited flowers and vegetables at the Mercer County Fair, where he also served as a fair board member.

Arnold enjoyed playing euchre, sending greeting cards to family and friends, and keeping in touch with the many people who were part of his life. He was a special friend to many Amish families and deeply appreciated his neighbors for their friendship, visits, assistance, and meals. Arnold valued the simple kindnesses of others and maintained many meaningful relationships throughout his life.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Grand Lake Hospice for the exceptional care, compassion, and support provided to Arnold.

Graveside services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, located at the corner of Schroeder Road and Wabash Road in Wabash, Ohio, with Rev. Robert Sweeney officiating. The family will receive friends at the cemetery from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to CALL Ministries, the Cancer Association of Mercer County, or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Arnold will be remembered for his lifelong love of horses and harness racing, his dedication to preserving family history, his generosity in friendship, and the many lives he touched throughout his 90 years. His legacy will live on in the memories of those who knew and loved him.

Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina and St. Marys are honored to care for Arnold and his family. To share condolences or memories, please visit www.ciscofuneralhome.com or the Cisco Funeral Home Facebook page.