1914
Edwin
2016
Edwin Thomas "Ed" Arnold Sr
February 7, 1914 — March 13, 2016
Edwin Thomas Arnold, Sr. "Ed" passed peacefully in the arms of his son, Tom Arnold, on Sunday, March 13, 2016, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, into the waiting arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. At age 102, he had continuously performed his activities of daily living, without assistance, up to his final day here on earth.
Ed was born on February 7, 1914, in Savannah, Georgia to Walter Van Valkenburg Arnold and Laura Corinna Sheftall. He was raised in Norfolk, Virginia. Graduating from Virginia Military Institute in 1935 with a Bachelor of Science degree, he was described in his college yearbook as "having a pleasing personality, a broad sincere smile and a happy greeting for everybody. As a brother cadet and roommate, none can excel him in consideration, morals, and courtesy." He was a member of the VMI Calvary, and returned as a professor prior to WWII.
Ed was a veteran of "F" Troop, 103rd Cavalry (Fort Myer, Virginia). He served during WWII from August 1, 1940 to March 9, 1946, in the 106th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron and was honorably discharged with the rank of Army Major. Assignments during the War included Mechanized Cavalry Unit Commander and Intelligence Officer in the United States, Great Britain, France, and Central Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star, EAME with three Battle Stars, American Defense Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, and the American Campaign Medal.
While stationed at Fort Knox in Kentucky, he met Madge Wise at an ice cream parlor in Nashville, Tennessee during leave. They were married four months later at Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville on February 13, 1943. They relocated to Lufkin, Texas in 1946 and raised three sons, Walter, Tom, and Bruce. Ed's career spanned insurance & investments, banking, and real estate. The family lived in Louisiana for four years before returning to Texas and settling in Houston. In a VMI reunion pamphlet in 1985, Ed wrote "Madge and I are very thankful for our health, happiness and each other. We enjoy daily walks and live a quiet life." They remained married for 61 years, until Madge went to Heaven on June 28, 2004.
Ed's strong faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his character and integrity. For all of his life, he was active in Church. He met Pastor Gerald Hilley while walking in a mall in Houston, and remained a close friend and member of Pastor Hilley's church for many years.
Ed was Madge's primary care-giver for the last ten years of her precious life on earth. His constant love and companionship for Madge was an inspiration to everyone who saw them together. After she passed away, he remained in Houston, living alone, but active in the Church, Bible Study Fellowship, mall-walking, and had many loving neighbors at Bayfront Towers condos. Missy and Leroy McGallian were special and compassionate friends to him.
Five years ago, Ed moved to Albuquerque to live with his son Tom. Together, they attended Legacy Church. Ed was a true inspiration and was well-liked by members of the church.
Ed is survived by son Walter V. Arnold and daughter-in-law Kathy Arnold in Lexington, South Carolina, son Tom Arnold in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and son Bruce Arnold and daughter-in-law Katherine Arnold in Austin, Texas; eight grandchildren, Jeff, Scott (and wife Christiana), Christopher, Nicholas, Ashley, Blake, Aaron, and Austin; two great-grandchildren Everett and Alice; nephew Roger and niece Elizabeth on the Arnold side, and many nieces and nephews on the Wise side of the family. He was preceded in death by both parents, Walter and Laura Arnold, and his brother, Walter Van Valkenburg Arnold.
A Memorial Service with full military honors will be held Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Legacy Church, 7201 Central Ave. NW in Albuquerque, NM. A second Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Praise Chapel, 18516 Highway 3, in Webster, TX, followed by a graveside service.
Photos and stories can be posted and shared at www.FrenchFunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Legacy Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico http://www.legacychurchnm.com/give in memory of Edwin Thomas Arnold, Sr.
FRENCH - Westside
9300 Golf Course Rd NW
505-897-0300
Ed was born on February 7, 1914, in Savannah, Georgia to Walter Van Valkenburg Arnold and Laura Corinna Sheftall. He was raised in Norfolk, Virginia. Graduating from Virginia Military Institute in 1935 with a Bachelor of Science degree, he was described in his college yearbook as "having a pleasing personality, a broad sincere smile and a happy greeting for everybody. As a brother cadet and roommate, none can excel him in consideration, morals, and courtesy." He was a member of the VMI Calvary, and returned as a professor prior to WWII.
Ed was a veteran of "F" Troop, 103rd Cavalry (Fort Myer, Virginia). He served during WWII from August 1, 1940 to March 9, 1946, in the 106th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron and was honorably discharged with the rank of Army Major. Assignments during the War included Mechanized Cavalry Unit Commander and Intelligence Officer in the United States, Great Britain, France, and Central Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star, EAME with three Battle Stars, American Defense Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, and the American Campaign Medal.
While stationed at Fort Knox in Kentucky, he met Madge Wise at an ice cream parlor in Nashville, Tennessee during leave. They were married four months later at Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville on February 13, 1943. They relocated to Lufkin, Texas in 1946 and raised three sons, Walter, Tom, and Bruce. Ed's career spanned insurance & investments, banking, and real estate. The family lived in Louisiana for four years before returning to Texas and settling in Houston. In a VMI reunion pamphlet in 1985, Ed wrote "Madge and I are very thankful for our health, happiness and each other. We enjoy daily walks and live a quiet life." They remained married for 61 years, until Madge went to Heaven on June 28, 2004.
Ed's strong faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his character and integrity. For all of his life, he was active in Church. He met Pastor Gerald Hilley while walking in a mall in Houston, and remained a close friend and member of Pastor Hilley's church for many years.
Ed was Madge's primary care-giver for the last ten years of her precious life on earth. His constant love and companionship for Madge was an inspiration to everyone who saw them together. After she passed away, he remained in Houston, living alone, but active in the Church, Bible Study Fellowship, mall-walking, and had many loving neighbors at Bayfront Towers condos. Missy and Leroy McGallian were special and compassionate friends to him.
Five years ago, Ed moved to Albuquerque to live with his son Tom. Together, they attended Legacy Church. Ed was a true inspiration and was well-liked by members of the church.
Ed is survived by son Walter V. Arnold and daughter-in-law Kathy Arnold in Lexington, South Carolina, son Tom Arnold in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and son Bruce Arnold and daughter-in-law Katherine Arnold in Austin, Texas; eight grandchildren, Jeff, Scott (and wife Christiana), Christopher, Nicholas, Ashley, Blake, Aaron, and Austin; two great-grandchildren Everett and Alice; nephew Roger and niece Elizabeth on the Arnold side, and many nieces and nephews on the Wise side of the family. He was preceded in death by both parents, Walter and Laura Arnold, and his brother, Walter Van Valkenburg Arnold.
A Memorial Service with full military honors will be held Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Legacy Church, 7201 Central Ave. NW in Albuquerque, NM. A second Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Praise Chapel, 18516 Highway 3, in Webster, TX, followed by a graveside service.
Photos and stories can be posted and shared at www.FrenchFunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Legacy Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico http://www.legacychurchnm.com/give in memory of Edwin Thomas Arnold, Sr.
FRENCH - Westside
9300 Golf Course Rd NW
505-897-0300
Service Details
Saturday, April 30th, 2016, 10:00am, Legacy Church
Saturday, May 7th, 2016, 10:30am, Praise Chapel
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