Sidney J. Arnold

sidney arnold
Sidney J. Arnold, a life-long resident of New Braunfels, went to be with our dear Lord on Wednesday, January 18, 2017. He passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family at the age of 85. Sidney was born on February 9, 1931, at the Arnold family home on Union Street in New Braunfels to Elmo Otto Arnold and Helen Louise Blume Arnold. He grew up in a close-knit family of nine children who were all raised Catholic and attended S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic school and church, and he graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1949. Mr. Arnold retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company after 35 years of dedicated service. During his career with the phone company he attended many technical schools to stay up on the latest technology. He was often called out in the middle of the night to repair phone lines and keep the town's teletypes running - there were only 3 back then one at the radio station, one at the sheriff's office and one at the hospital - as well as being dispatched to coastal areas for weeks on end after major hurricanes and to the north to restore power after ice storms. In later years he was able to move to an indoor job as a repeater man but always in demand. He pursued many of his life's ambitions for flying, parachuting, building and flying ultralights, rebuilding and riding motorcycles, hunting, and other hobbies. He served our country in the Air National Guard Reserves where he developed the love for "jumping". Over his life time Sidney enjoyed sharing stories and experiences with all the kids and showing us all how to be creative and passionate and most of all, how much he loved us. He was always working with his hands and enjoyed sharing his expertise and helping with projects, whether it was to repair an appliance or rebuild an engine. If he had to fashion a custom tool or custom part, then that was just part of the job. He was preceded in death by his parents Elmo and Helen Arnold, and by siblings Elmo Thomas Jr. "Tom", James, Virginia, Dallas, and Frederick. Survivors include his brother Joe Max Arnold, and sisters Isabel Smissaert and Mary Ann Bienek; his loving wife of 36 years, Roberta Arnold; children Francine Arnold Acevedo and husband Reynaldo, Sidney (Joe) Arnold and wife Karen, Tina Arnold Gallion and husband Terry, Phyllis Arnold Kneese and husband Mark, and John Arnold; stepsons James Ryan and Gary Ryan. Sidney is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and close friends. We will all miss him very much but his spirit lives on in our hearts. A memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday evening, January 27, 2017 at Grace Memorial Church, 3240 FM 725 in New Braunfels.

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  1. My sincere condolences to Francine, my spouse of 43 years this June. To all our children and grandchildren I am saddened by his passing and rejoice knowing he is with our Lord, And God. I pray through Jesus Christ. Amen. Sidney was very kind to me. His words to me last week was, “I love you Rey.” I love you too Sidney was my response. The following day my father-in-law greeted me with his big smile and said, Hello Rey, how are you doing? Im fine Sidney. “I said…(thinking fondly) that is where Francine got her loving but quirky smile…Very much at Peace Sid was. Then he rested. He continued to speak softly to me as I sat by his side while Jaime, his step granddaughter, held his hand. My heart goes out to Roberta. I am not holding back tears for they are for a family of love, faith and hope. For Sidney’s Sisters Aunt Isabel and Aunt Mary Ann, and brother Joe Max I am very God centered around you in thoughts and deeds. May our lord and God continue to bless me and my family, Phillip Rey, Anita Renee, Angelina Joy and Alan Patrick Acevedo. For my Sister’s in law Tina and Phyllis your continued family oriented ideals I commend you and pray for all Y’all. To his sons Joey and John a firm handshake for you both with a great hug to help in my sorrow as Sidney was very special to me and our family. To his grandkids, and step grandkids and Great grand kids and Step great Grandkids I want Saint Michael the Archangel to intercede now, along with 100,000 of the Angels that help him. I also declare that Saint Sophia the Archangel of Love to intercede right now for all y’all. Most of you grew up with our children. For extended family members and friends I hope and pray for more family unity as Sidney has shown us. Lord, God Our Father bless everyone that reads my petition(s) especially James and Gary Ryan, and their family whom I send Love and Protection also. Together we pray to God through Jesus Christ,Amen.

  2. Thank you to everyone who has supported our family in this time of loss. I am consumed with sadness and with the joy of knowing we had the most loving and sweet kind father any one could hope for and his soul has been reunited with our heavenly Father. I will see him again some day.

  3. Sydney was a great man. He loved my aunt uncodtionlay. I stayed with them a short time while I was trying to figure life out. He opened his home to me and I will always be great full for that. Rest In Peace young man love always your niece

  4. I will fondly remember the days when I was your little shadow even though you called me your sunshine. I will miss you always grandpa, and promise to check in on granny.

  5. Sydney was someone so special can never be forgotten. Please accept my deepest condolences for your family’s loss. R.I.P. Sydney.

  6. So very sorry to hear of Sidney’s passing. My thought and prayers are with all of the family at this time. I have many fond memories of Sidney as we grew up and of all the reunions on the Guadalupe river.

  7. I am so sorry for your loss, I truly feel your pain. Sid will truly be missed. Love you all the family, you are all in our prayers.

  8. Dear Tina, I remember all the fun times at your house and how nice and patient your dad was with us, with me. He was always outside tinkering and I recall the very cool dune buggy he built. I think he brought it to the beach the one time I went with you. I am very sorry about your dad’s passing and pray that you will recall all the good memories. Elena “Henri” Rojo

  9. Dear Nieces and Nephews, I understand the heartache that follows the loss of a parent. Cherish the years you shared with Sidney, and take comfort in the many wonderful memories that will always remain. Take care of each other and may God bless and keep you all. Aunt Annette

  10. Uncle Sidney was a wonderful person. Always smiling, telling jokes, and stories. He reminded me of dad(James) by the way he always was tinkering with things. We will deeply miss him and his wonderful smile. God Bless to all of you as it is a big loss for the Arnold family. It gets a little easier day by day. We will always have him in our heart as we have others that have gone before him. God be with you at this time of need.

  11. I am sorry for your loss, he is with our Lord and will be reunited with you all someday, God bless you all. He will be missed

  12. Our sincere thoughts and sympathy to Sidney’s family. We were good friends at S.W. Bell and had great respect for his talents and skills. We will remember his great smile and helpfulness in many telephone emergencies. Please find comfort in knowing that he is in a wonderful place where there is no more pain.

  13. I never personally met Sidney but I had many pleasant occasions working with him over the phone during my employment with AT&T in San Antonio. Sidney was always a pleasure to talk to and I knew that when he worked on a trouble issue it would be resolved quickly. May God bless his family in this time of loss.

  14. Dear Aunt Bert and family, So sorry to hear about Sidney. I just found this a few minutes ago and I have you all in my thoughts and prayers. I have no contact number for you but, here is my cell # 830-832-2518. All my love to you all!

  15. Tina and the Arnold family. Was so sorry to here of Sidney’s passing. May the memories you hold in your heart help to ease the grief of your loss. With deepest Sympathy Wayne(Al)& Faye Gallion

  16. Dear Dad, thank you for always being there for us. So many people don’t have the opportunity to gain so much love and wisdom. I will always remember you and the adventures we shared.

  17. Opa used to tell me when I was little, “you get prettier every time I see you” – he always knew what to say to make my day brighter. I love you guys! We will see him again one day when we meet in the air

  18. Francine and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort in the knowledge that you will all be reunited someday. Treasure your memories!

  19. Dad, I love you so very much, words are not enough. You are with me in thought and prayer every minute of the day. I know I will see you again one day.

  20. My name is Karen Toon. I bought your father’s birthplace 24 years ago. I was told it was a loving home where 9 children grew up. It has always had that feeling to me in all the years I have lived here. I’m so sorry for your loss and wish I could have met your father. I think your family’s spirit has always been here. May you find comfort in all your cherished memories.


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