Harry Joseph Arnold

Harry J. Arnold of Mesquite, born March 4, 1938, passed away April 26, 2015. Preceded in death by mother, Bertha Arnold; beloved dad, Jack Arnold; brother, James (Jim) Arnold. Survived by wife of 26 years, Judy Arnold; son, Lance Arnold & wife, Nancy; son, Harry Arnold & wife, Yvonne; daughter, Robbin Swinard & husband, Gary; bonus son, Greg Springer & wife, Jennifer, bonus daughter, Tracy Barnhart & husband, Lee; blended family of 19 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Jan Arnold, Lenell Dunn & husband Ronal; numerous nieces and nephews. Harry’s “work” here is done.He received a call with a job offer he couldn’t refuse.This job came with a huge signing bonus, reuniting with family and friends.Harry loved job security and this new job offer came with 110 percent.His new job takes him to a wonderful place where he will be reading to his heart’s content, learning more about history than he ever imagined and debates with everyone about everything.Vienna sausages and Shasta to his heart’s content and readily available. Born in Philadelphia, PA on March 4, 1938, he was the older of two boys.Growing up in Philadelphia was the perfect place for this little boy who was mischievous and adventurous.Harry and his little brother Jim would roam the neighborhood just looking for trouble, and trouble they found.Jim never worried about the consequences, he knew his big brother was always there to protect him.Harry didn’t have many luxuries growing up but that didn’t interfere with his unselfishness.Like the time he picked up the trash and wrappers from the candied apples that were thrown on the ground by the children who could afford it, and was given his own candied apple as payment and reward.He took that treasure home so his mom could cut the apple into three pieces he could share. One for little brother Jim, mom and himself. Harrys sense of adventure lead to him joining the U.S. Coastguard where he proudly served from 1959 to 1963.The Coastguard gave this adventure seeker a chance to travel the world but it was Texas, his beloved Texas, where he would call home. A blind date, on Friday the 13th, lead to 26 wonderful years of marriage to the love of his life, his wife Judy.Together they loved life and lived life to the fullest.Harry’s own personal goal and most important job was to provide and take care of Judy.Harry was a member of the Dallas County Sheriff’s posse and had worked as a police officer but found what he was looking for at Lucent, where he retired after more than 20yrs of service.Along with retirement came idle time.Something Harry just couldn’t and wouldn’t tolerate.He accepted a position at Walmart as a sporting goods associate where he picked up a “few” good bargains along the way. Sickness soon got in the way of Harry’s plan to take care of his beloved forever.He fought a long hard battle and knew that even if the cancer won, God would be the Victor.He knew that god would be with him to carry him safely to Heaven.He died Sunday April 26th, 2015 with his family close and his beloved wife Judy at his side.