Dates
John Willie Arnold, aged 88, passed away on September 18, 2024, in San Angelo, TX. Born in 1936, in Tampa, FL, John was known for his intelligence, humor, dedication, and devotion.
John was a graduate of Hillsborough High School and carried the lessons learned there throughout his life. He started working long before graduating high school in various jobs including the Piggly Wiggly, gas station, and helping his father change payphones from a nickel to a dime. He acquired his determination and work ethic from his father. After graduation, John proudly served in the United States Air Force (USAF) for 20 years, where he discovered his knack for learning languages. After his military career, he continued to serve the community through his work with the US Postal Service, where his hard work and dedication were evident to all who knew him. He could name every street, family, and business on his route.
His personal interests included gardening (he had a gift for growing lawns) , RVing (his was always shiny clean), and fishing, each of which brought him great joy and peace. He had a fantastic sense of humor and was always making those around him laugh. He also had a particular talent in playing the harmonica and singing his own songs.
John leaves behind a loving family, including his daughter Margaret Hammerle (Carl); son Michael Arnold (Mary) and grandsons Michael Arnold and William Renton; ex-wives Kathleen Morris and Sharon Arnold (who brought him tremendous joy and loving companionship in his last years); bonus children: Ronnie Partusch (Rhonda), Jill Ulmstead (Bill), Jeff Partusch (Rachel), Vikki Martin (Donnie), Sheila Richardson, and Gina Feller (Cory); nieces and nephew: Andrea Andreason, Kenny Ynes (Toni), Adeline Ynes, and Marcel Napolitano (John). John was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dorothy Arnold; his parents, Bill and Nell Arnold; his sister and her husband, Lois and Andrew Ynes; and stepsons Mike and Craig Partusch. John felt especially blessed by his large bonus family and all his grandchildren who knew him as Grandpa John.
A gathering to celebrate John's life will be held at Harper Funeral Home on Saturday, September 21 at 4 PM. John's life was one of service, laughter, and love, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.