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Walter Eugene Arnold passed away at Vitas Hospice on January 17, 2017 at the age of 97 after an extended illness. He was born in Jennings, Oklahoma on May 17, 1919. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Dr Aline Arnold. They met when each was a hospital administrator in different cities. Surviving family are son, Hubert “Tex” Arnold of New York City and his wife Linda, step-daughter Teresa Prestidge of Ennis, TX, sister Barbara Hansen of Sacramento, CA, sister-in-law Gale Osmera of Atascosita, TX, brother-in-law Doyle Marchbanks of Ennis, TX. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews including Karen Knight & husband Benny of Austin, TX Sue Hansen of San Francisco, CA and Kathi Hansen of Sacramento, CA. Gene is also survived by several grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as a very special cousin Mariana Vancil and husband Wayne of Tehachapi, CA. Gene is predeceased by his parents, Dr. Walter Edward Arnold and Nell Verner Arnold, his baby brother “little Johnny”, his 8 year old sister Clara Nell, his first wife, Ray Hubert Arnold, sister Kathleen Olive and husband P. A. Olive, brother-in-law Jerry Hansen of Sacramento, CA and nephew Jimmy Olive of Orange, TX. Gene grew up in Oklahoma and attended public schools. After his high school graduation, he enrolled at Bethany Nazarene College in Bethany, Ok. At the end of his sophomore year, he decided to enlist in the Army in 1939. Germany had invaded Poland by this time and World War II was imminent. Gene’s training was primarily in health related areas including X-Ray School and hospital supply. After Pearl Harbor, Gene was transferred to a hospital in the Philippines, where he served until the end of World War II. Gene returned home to Oklahoma City and was immediately hired by a hospital as a supply manager He enrolled in night school at Oklahoma City University and completed his Bachelor’s degree in management. After later moving to McKinney, TX to accept the position of Hospital Administrator, he enrolled in Graduate School at SMU and received his MBA in Hospital Administration by attending night school while working full time during the day. Gene was a strong Christian, thanks to his loving Christian Mother, Nell Arnold. He grew up in the Nazarene Church and later joined the Methodist Church. In 1969, he joined the Baptist Church with his wife, Aline. They are members of the First Baptist Church in Conroe, TX. In addition, he has been attending Tuesday Morning Men’s Breakfast at First United Methodist Church, Conroe, TX. During his professional years, Gene was active in civic and community organizations, including a long time member of the Rotary Club, Chambers of Commerce, and United Way and for the past 17 years, a loyal supporter of the Conroe Symphony Orchestra. The Arnold Family expresses appreciation to Gene’s caregivers at the Conroe Regional Hospital and Vitas Hospice, with a special thanks to Dr Glen Berwick, Dr James Westmoreland and Dr Ajay Kwatra. A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, February 19, 2017 at 3 p.m. at the Conroe Symphony Centre, 1500 N Frazier St, Conroe, TX 77301. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one of the following: The Walter Eugene Arnold Nurse Scholarship Fund, Southern Nazarene University, 6729 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK 73008, or to the Conroe Symphony Orchestra, 1500 N Frazier #3, Conroe, TX 77301. |
