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Dolph Arnold Obituary
1940-2018
Dolph Lee Arnold, 77, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend of many, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 21, 2018. He was born May 18, 1940 to Emery Dolph Arnold and Leona Kelley Arnold in Robstown, Texas.
Robstown was the birthplace of Texas Hold'em, a game deeply embedded in Dolph from an early age. After graduating from Robstown High School, he attended the University of Texas in Austin before heading to Houston with his bride, Len Reese Arnold. Dolph served in the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and then returned to Houston to start a career in insurance. The love of poker and gambling that helped pay his way through school and supported him during those early years never left him. In the early 1970's, he took a position as a Junket Host for the Dunes Hotel, then as a Casino Rep for several hotels in Las Vegas and elsewhere. Dolph worked for the Frontier Hotel, Las Vegas Hilton and MGM in Vegas, to name a few, and played poker every chance he got. Winner of several major tournaments including the Hall of Fame Poker Classic in 1990 and 1992 and a final table appearance at the World Series of Poker Championship in 1995.
Known to many as "No Golf Dolph", he spent many hours "working" on the golf course with annual appearances at the NFL Alumni Golf Classic, Houston Open Pro-Am, Las Vegas Invitational and many other charitable events. Also a fixture at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for many years, he served on both the swine and skybox committees. For many friends during the 1980's, a night at the rodeo was not complete without a trip by his Astrodome skybox suite.
He was a generous man, who always included his friends and family on his many adventures. Many have said, "Oh, the places I have gone, and the fun times I have had because of Dolph…" He was a legend to those who knew him and never met a stranger.
He leaves behind his precious wife, Len Arnold; son, Scott (Louise) Arnold; daughter, Syndy (Matt) Davis; grandchildren, Nyky Arnold, Derek Arnold, Ryan Arnold, Bryn Arnold, Reese Davis and Hank Davis; great grandchild, Emery Albelice; and numerous other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by parents, Emery Dolph Arnold and Leona Kelley Arnold; brothers, Felix Kelley and William "Bud" Kelley; and son, Derek Dolph Arnold.
A memorial service will be held at Second Baptist Church, Hankamer Chapel, 6400 Woodway Drive, Houston, Texas 77057, on Tuesday, January 30th at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 or at http://parkinson.org/ways-to-give
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dolph Arnold
sb
February 1, 2018
I am very sorry for your family's loss. Remember that you are never alone during times of loss. God promises to be with you in difficult times and to give you thoughts of peace and a hope. Jer 29:11,12
January 30, 2018
To the Arnold family, we offer our deepest sympathy on your loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. As you take each day one step at a time and hold on to the loving memories of your loved one, may God grant you strength to see each day through (2 Corinthians 4:7).--ERJ
Carolyne Davis
January 29, 2018
Dolph was one of the greatest to celebrate life ! I am blessed to have had him as my Dad-away-from-home. We will miss him dearly . Please know that we pray for the Lord's continued comfort, that He may hold you tight Len, sweet Syndy, and Scott. Love from all of us. xo
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Josh and Nika
January 29, 2018
In these difficult times it is hard to know what to say. Our loving God always knows what to say and he wants us to "throw all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you." Our condolences.
john howard
January 29, 2018
Dolph was a friend for 45 years. My world is smaller and less exciting. God speed Dolph. jh
Jackiyn Hartley
January 28, 2018
Lifting prayers for you all Len, Scott and Syndy with love Jackie Lohman Hartley
Bobbi Templin
January 28, 2018
God gives us many gifts in life, parents, children, even friends; But the special gift is in a blessed union to the one true love of our lives. That is the one that we call husband.
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going. John 14:1-4
Rhonda Maeker
January 28, 2018
Truly a legend, a great man. You will be missed by so many. Rest in peace, Dolph. Heartfelt prayers for Len and the entire family. May God's love comfort you all.
January 28, 2018
My deepest sympathy to the Family in the loss of your loved one. Please find comfort in knowing God is close to the brokenhearted. May the God of all comfort give you peace, strength and hope to endure in the days ahead (Jeremiah 29:11,12).
Barbara
January 28, 2018
I am so sorry for the immeasurable loss of your loved one. May God strengthen and sustain you with 'everlasting comfort and good hope' and 'comfort your hearts' during this deeply sad and terribly difficult time. - 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
January 27, 2018
Truly " one of a kind". God Bless you Dolph. Not enough space here for all the great memories with Dolph and Len. Love you bothRIP
Randy and Chip or as Dolph always said-
"Chip and Dip"
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