ARNOLD PLAZA

ARNOLD JESSE PLAZA, 90, passed away in Phoenix, AZ on April 1, 2016. He was born in Cheyenne, WY and grew up in Chicago, Ill. He attended Purdue University where he distinguished himself as one of the school's greatest wrestlers, achieving four National championships. Arnold was the first Boilermaker to win an individual NCAA title and the only one to win four Big Ten titles (1947-50). He was inducted into Purdue's inaugural Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994 alongside John Wooden and Bob Griese and was also selected for the Helms Amateur Wrestling Hall of Fame. After graduating from Purdue he proudly served in the United States Army from 1950 to 1952. Arnold moved to El Paso, Texas in 1970 and spent nearly 40 years living in La Union, a community he cherished. He was well known for his big heart and willingness to help his neighbors and anyone who needed a hand. He was instrumental in leading an initiative to bring public water lines to the La Union community. A devoted Catholic, Arnold was active at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church where he served as choir director for over 20 years. He was a teacher for 35 years, 17 in Chicago and 18 in El Paso. Students had great respect for "Coach Plaza," a firm but engaging teacher with an endearing sense of humor. Arnold had a passion for the outdoors and traveled throughout the Southwest sharing his love for camping, hiking and bonfires with his large family. Preceding him in death were his parents Theodore Plaza and Lupe Plaza; his sisters, Ofelia Plaza, Estelle, Plaza, Olga Plaza Naughton; his son, Alexander Plaza; and step-daughter, Debbie Garcia. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years Irene Plaza; his children Marc Plaza, Melissa Ryan, Andrea Plaza, Marisusan Plaza, and Arnold Anthony Plaza; his step children, Ruben, Richard, Martin, Robert, Freddy and Ray Labrado and Trinidad Garcia; 25 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their respective families. Visitation for Mr. Plaza will begin at 5 PM Sunday, April 10, 2016 in Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church, 1320 Mercantil Street in La Union where the Prayer Vigil is scheduled for 6 PM. Family and Friends will join together at 11 AM Monday, April 11, 2016 to celebrate the Funeral Mass in the same church with the Reverend Michael Cotone Celebrant. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow in the La Union Cemetery where he will be laid to rest in the family plot. Serving as casket bearers will be family and friends. Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces 300 E. Boutz Road 527-2222. Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family memorial Care". For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com