Kenneth Ray Arnold

Kenneth Ray Arnold passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2016

The youngest of seven children, Ken was born June 18, 1932 to Emmett & Edna Long Arnold. He graduated from Austin High School and went to work for the Texas Insurance Checking Office. He retired from the Texas Department of Insurance in 1991 after 35 years of service. He was a member of Koenig Lane Christian Church.

He married his high school sweetheart, Ellen Kate "Katie" Rhodes, on July 16, 1952. He remained totally devoted to her until her death in 2005 following a 14 year battle with Alzheimer's disease. It is said "the best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." In that aspect, we were truly gifted and blessed.

His family was always his first priority and he supported his children in any endeavor. He served as president of the Athletic and FFA Booster Clubs at Del Valle High School. He coached little league baseball, chauffeured to countless football and basketball games and volunteered as needed at numerous stock shows.

His grandchildren were the light of his life. He took great pride in their accomplishments and achievements and could always be depended on for a smile, thoughtful advice and a "you bet!"

He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, siblings and an infant great-grandson, Kenneth Aidan Madison.

He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Madison and her husband, Perry, sons, Dana Arnold and his wife, Kathy, and Donny Arnold; and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Brad and Amanda Madison and their daughter Adrien, Travis and Christine Madison and their children, Jake & Claire, Nick, Kyle and Katelyn "Katie" Arnold, Steven, Shaina, Dante and Devon Bracamontez, Adam and Amy Becker and their daughter Charlie and Chad and Sarah Keaton and their son Colter.

The Arnold and Madison families would like to thank Becky Ervin-Stokes for her companionship and faithful care of Dad for the past fifteen months. Also, our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. James Lewis for always being there for us in both the good and bad times.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 6-8pm, on Monday, the 14th of March 2016, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00am in the morning on Tuesday, the 15th of March 2016, in the Colonial Chapel of Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Interment will follow in Hornsby Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a favorite charity or the Alzheimer's Association.

"In life we loved you dearly. In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you. You did not go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories. Your love is still our guide. And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again."