Roy Arnett

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

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