Arnold Leidy

Arnold Grant Leidy, age 84, of Edgewood, NM, passed away on March 7, 2025, due to severe sepsis and other complications following influenza illness.

Arnold is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Lana Leidy, and children Ross Leidy and wife Renee Leidy, Scott Leidy and wife Daniela Leidy, Jennifer Sanchez and husband Steve Sanchez, Jessica Norman and husband Joshua Norman, and grandchildren Alida Leidy, Elias Leidy, Mikah Leidy, Ezra Sanchez, and Silas Sanchez.

Arnold, affectionately known as "Arnie", was born on December 23, 1940, in Johnstown, PA, to Wilbur and Lois Leidy. He graduated from East McKeesport High School in 1958 and attended Bridgewater College before enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1959. While enlisted, Arnold completed training in construction surveying and received commendation as a rifle sharpshooter. He was honorably discharged as SP-5 in 1965.

Arnold and Lana Peden married in May 1963 and settled in Pittsburgh, PA, where he was employed at a warehouse. In approximately 1968, the family relocated to Albuquerque, NM, where Arnold and Lana owned a health food store.

While Arnold was raised by believing parents, it was not until the early 1970s that he encountered Jesus in a real, life-changing way. His wife Lana attended a week-long revival meeting at Los Altos Church of the Nazarene and after repeatedly asking him to go with her, he acquiesced on the final night of the revival.

Arnold knew God was calling to him during that church service, and when it came time for the altar call, the preacher must've known it, too. Arnold described the preacher coming down to his pew, looking him in the eye and saying "How about it, son?"

From that night on, Arnold would never be the same. His marriage, which was troubled and at risk of ending, would never be the same. His priorities would never be the same. He had new purpose and his purpose was Jesus.

Sensing the honor of God's call on his life, he and the family relocated to Colorado Springs, CO, where he attended Nazarene Bible College from 1974-1978. In May 1978, Arnold was inducted into Delta Epsilon Chi honor society.

Following graduation, he took his first pastorate at Moriarty Church of the Nazarene in Moriarty, NM, in 1978 to approximately 1982. In May 1980, Arnold received a Certificate of Ordination by the Church of the Nazarene. He was a traveling evangelist until approximately 1985, when he became lead pastor of Santa Fe Nazarene Church in Santa Fe, NM, until approximately 1988.

Relocating to Moriarty, NM, Arnold entered full-time evangelism and spent much of his time away from home, holding revivals across the country. Over the years Arnold has served as lead pastor of Breakpoint Church in Edgewood, NM, interim pastor at Moriarty Church of the Nazarene, in Moriarty, NM, and has continued to preach at every opportunity given to him.

Arnold was a man of many interests and talents. Through the years he obtained a real estate license, pilot's license, and personal training certification. He fell in love with weight lifting at a young age, and at the age of 66, he entered a bodybuilding competition in 2007 and won first place in his age group. During that same time period, he and Lana owned a gym in Moriarty, NM, for several years.

Arnold was a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association and enjoyed riding and tinkering with his beloved trike motorcycle. In addition, he served as Chaplain for the American Legion Post 74 in Moriarty, NM.

Arnold is known for his love of his wife, children and grandchildren. With his children spread out across the U.S., he and Lana made frequent trips to visit them. His wisdom, gentle support and encouragement will be greatly missed by his family.

He was a lover of music and singing, and while he is well known for his preaching, he is equally cherished for his music ministry. Those who know Arnold best know how music, especially songs that glorified Jesus and spoke of our eternal home, would cause his eyes to well. How comforting it is to know that he is now relishing in the harmonies of Heaven. What a celebration it is for those who will miss him to know he has run his race well, and he is Home.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will."

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭

A Celebration Memorial will be held on March 29, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Heights First Church of the Nazarene in Albuquerque, NM. Following the service, attendees will have an opportunity to pay their respects at an open viewing.

To gift Arnold’s wife, Lana, with a monetary gift during this time, please use this link https://www.gofundme.com/f/extend-your-kindness-to-lana?attribution_id=sl:72428108-e959-43bf-8a03-8b697ca86690&lang=en_US&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp13_t1-amp14_t2&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=email  Thank you for your prayers and kindness.