Lloyd Eugene Arnold
Denison- Lloyd Eugene Arnold went peacefully in his sleep to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 10, 2016 at his home in Denison, Texas. He was born on June 20, 1944 in Vernon, Texas, the son of Forrest Eugene “Shorty” and Audrey Izetta May Richardson “Doc” Arnold. He was the second of four siblings.
It was in Vernon that he met the love of his life, Patsy Ruth Johnson who became his wife. After high school he attended the Texas Department of Safety academy in Austin, Texas, graduating with honors in 1962. Upon graduation he was stationed in Garland, Texas where he worked for four years. In 1966, a position opened in Sherman, Texas in the Drivers License division. With his wife, four-year-old son Ricky Eugene, and son Bruce Wayne on the way, they made their home in Sherman. “Moving to Sherman was the best move I ever made” he often commented.
An avid fisherman with the lake so close, an avid motorcycle rider in the late 60s and 70s. As a driver’s license officer in the 80s and active with the Texas Department of Safety, he also tested for Sergeant earning first place with over 300 candidates testing. With that promotion, he moved to Garland, Texas for two years training officers in firearms and driving safety. As soon as the Sergeant positioned opened in Sherman, he was home for good. He was so well received that June 20th was named “Lloyd Arnold” day in Grayson County. During this time he began martial arts training and went on to be the #1 rated brown belt in Texas, earning hundreds of awards. Retiring from the DPS in 1995 he went on to open Texoma Gun Range, the first indoor gun range in Grayson County. Retiring again in 2007, he became the primary care giver for his wife, Pat and began remodeling his 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air he lovingly named “it’ll do”.
Lloyd was respected and loved by many with his infectious smile and love for people. He would often say “we don’t keep score and we don’t judge people.” He will be sorely missed by all the wonderful friends he had.
In addition to the thousands of lives he touched he leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Pat Arnold, two children and their spouses – Rick and Lynne Arnold, Bruce and Anna Arnold and five grandchildren – Ashley Attebery and husband Scott Attebery, Haleigh, Colton, Peyton and Alyssa Arnold and 1 great grand daughter – Gracie Marie Attebery. He also leaves behind siblings, Jack Arnold and family of Tulsa, Okla., Lin and her husband Wayne Barnes of Whitesboro, Texas and youngest brother Rick and his wife Rhonda of Flower Mound, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends and family will gather at 1 p.m., Saturday, July 16, 2016h, at Trinity Lighthouse Church in Denison with memorial services to follow at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army.
The online register book may be signed at www.waldofuneralhome.com.
Services are under the direction of Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman.
