Roy Arnett
December 01, 2013
Our beloved husband, daddy, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle and friend Roy G. Arnett, 88 of Onalaska, Texas formerly of Des Moines, Iowa entered into eternal life to be with his heavenly father on Sunday, December 1, 2013.
He was born April 3, 1925 in Dupont, Colorado to Roy C. and Alice Arnett. He lost both of his parents at a very young age, and as a young man of 17, he enlisted in the US Navy in 1942. A veteran of WWII, he fought in the invasions of North Africa, Italy, and Omaha Beach. After finishing his tour in the Navy he returned to Denver, Colorado where he met Rita Wiederholt, who became his lifelong sweetheart and wife of 67 years after only a two week courtship. Roy and Rita moved to Des Moines where they raised their family of six and Roy worked as a firefighter for the city. Roy retired from the Des Moines Fire Department in 1981 after 27 years of service that included work as a firefighter, EMT, and mechanic in the shop. Roy was also a member of the Iowa Army National Guard while in Des Moines. Roy and his wife Rita resided in retirement in Onalaska, Texas for over 30 years. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and attended St. Anthony parish in Des Moines and St. Joseph’s in Livingston, Texas.
Roy will be deeply missed by his loving family and friends. Those left to mourn his passing include his loving wife, Rita E. Arnett; and their six children, Ronald Arnett and wife Ginger of Granbury, Texas, Rebecca Velez and husband Gustavo of Des Moines, Rita Arnett and husband John Allar of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Roslin Reynolds and husband Frank of Indianola, Raymond Arnett and wife Janice of Las Cruces, New Mexico and Randy Arnett and wife Robin of Onalaska, Texas. Other survivors include 21 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; his brother, Jack Thomas (Faye) of Sparks, Nevada; as well as hundreds of nieces, nephews and cousins. Roy was preceded in death by his brother, James; and sisters, Virginia, May and Lena.
The family will greet friends Thursday, December 5, 2013 at 10 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Bob Turner
12/05/2013
To Mrs. Arnett, Ron and your entire family, I am so sorry for your loss. Roy was always a good pal to all us young guys growing up. He would take the time to listen to our problems and help fix our cars. And if we got out of line, he would straighten our path. Please know that Roy will be warmly remembered. May God bless the entire Arnett family.
Hosie & Shirley Atwood
12/04/2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs.Arnett & her entire family. Our hearts were so sadden when we heard of Mr. Arnetts Passing. But today may you find comfort, for God is present to walk with you through this difficult time of loss...
May you find peace, for God is present to care for you and your family in your deepest need...
May you find hope, for God is present to assure you of his guidance in the days ahead. '
You all are in our thoughts, our hearts, and our prayers.
My presence shall go with thee, and I will give the rest.
EXODUS 33: 14 KJV
Michael & Shirley Shanks
12/04/2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with Arnett family. We remember the family reunions and all the great times we had as kids growing up. Uncle Roy was always pulling some prank on one of the nieces or nephews. He will always be remembered.
Kasey J. Robinson
12/03/2013
RIP Grandpa Roy. You will forever be in my heart. Whenever I saw you, you always acted the same and you never treated me any different from my brothers Quincy and Ryan! We will meet again someday and Im sure you will be just as funny!! I Love you and rest easy!!!
Jim Mason
12/02/2013
So sorry, my condolences to Rita and the family for your loss. Roy will be missed by his brother firefighters!