Rufino J. Arbas, Jr., age 65 of Collinsville, IL, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Tennessee while on a fishing trip doing what he loved.

He was born March 2, 1960, in Pampanga, Philippines to Rufino Sr. and Clementina C. (nee Jabier) Arbas. Rufino retired from the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel after 35 years of service. He was a member of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville. He was a great fisherman, even greater bowler, and the best dad and husband anyone could have ever asked for.

His memory will live on by loving wife, Sherry (nee McDonald) Arbas, whom he married November 7, 1997; his children: Gabrielle (Joaquin) Pasquel of Waterloo, IL, Abigail (Matteo) Mantese of Waterloo, IL, Wayne Moore of Belleville, IL; two grandchildren: Haylie and Gavin McDonald; a sister, Jacqueline (Edgardo) Edrosa of WA; niece and nephew, Samantha Edrosa and E.J. (Danni) Edrosa; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ronald and Beverly McDonald of Collinsville, IL; loving family in California; and many friends that will miss him dearly.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 207 Vandalia, Collinsville, IL 62234. Funeral mass will follow at 1 p.m. with Father Steve Thompson celebrant.

Burial with full military honors will be at Jefferson Barracks on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The procession will leave Barry Wilson Funeral Home 12:45 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church and Disabled American Veterans. They will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.