Former Wilbarger County judge turns 92

On July 26, 2020, Bob Arnold turned 92 years old, but age hasn’t at all slowed  down the former Wilbarger County judge.

“Age doesn’t bother me,” Arnold said with a laugh.

Arnold, who served as county judge here for some 24 years, is still active, including working on the family farm where he grows wheat and cattle.

“I love the farm,” Arnold said. “It’s been in my family since the 1900s. I look forward to going out there every morning. I have a friend, Ken Aderholt, who also helps me out.”

A son of Robert and Elizabeth Arnold, he was born at the family’s home located  near the river.  His four siblings were also all born at home.

After graduating from Oklaunion High School, Arnold joined the United States Navy along with two friends. After his service, Arnold attended and graduated from Central State College in Edmond, Okla.

He took a job as a math teacher and basketball coach at Vernon High School and then was head football coach at Oklaunion High School. He later was a math teacher and a football coach along with Jabe Brazzle at Vernon High School.

In 1969, Arnold was elected county judge.

“I saw a lot of interesting cases during my time, and the people were really good to me during those years,” Arnold said.

Arnold was married to the former Mary Frances Walker of Vernon and the couple had two children, Karen Smith of Houston and Kim Arnold of Vernon. He also has three grandchildren as well as great-grandchildren.

While others younger than himself may not be as active, Arnold said he can’t just sit around, although he does enjoy a nap now and then. He still drives his own vehicle and, in fact, on the day of this interview, he had driven over to Frederick to pick up a part for  his tractor.

He also enjoys being with family and friends. On his birthday last month his daughter baked him his favorite cake.

“It was chocolate, but no candles,” he laughed.

‘I’m still in good health,” Arnold said. “And my doctor has told me I might live to be 100 or more. My mother was 98, so it just might be so. I plan to keep on going as long as I can.”

And with that healthy attitude, Arnold hopes to be around to enjoy many more birthdays and chocolate cakes.