Moises Calixto - Arce

Moises "Tony" Calixto-Arce, age 49, of Lewisburg, Tennessee, passed away on September 2, 2025 in Meridian, Mississippi. Born October 6,1975, and raised in Riverside, California, Tony lived a life defined by resilience, love, and laughter. Though his childhood was not easy, Tony became a man who was determined to build a life full of joy, generosity, and devotion to his family. 

While on a work assignment, Tony met his love, Crystal, and from that moment on, his world changed. Their relationship quickly grew, with Tony embracing not just Crystal but her children Kiarra, Luisa, Esguin, Aiden, and Alarys. He became a source of laughter-always ready with a joke, a prank, or teasingly hassling Crystal in ways only he could. When work took Tony to Tennessee, he never let distance get in the way of love. He sent flowers, gifts, and even enlisted Luisa as his secret delivery helper. Before long, it was clear that Crystal and the children belonged by his side. By the time Tony and Crystal married on March 22, 2019, it was clear they-and the kids-were all in this together as they transitioned the entire family to Lewisburg, Tennessee. Tony thrived as a husband and father. He believed "blood means nothing, love means everything" and proved it daily. He was the ultimate "girl dad," happily letting his daughters paint his toenails, whisking them off on spontaneous outings, and making even grocery runs an adventure. Though he teased about "having no money," he was the first to plan a family trip to the beach, matching outfits and all.

Family was everything to Tony. With Crystal, Tony opened their home and hearts to fostering, and later adopting children who became part of their forever family. He welcomed Lacreda as a daughter and later adopted Ja'kenzie, who became his pride and joy. "Pop Pop" always came home with surprises-stuffed animals, toys, or simply his big smile- and his bond with his children was unmistakable. He loved to spoil his family, but he also taught his kids life skills, hard work, and independence. With his boys, Tony especially cherished Lakers games, karate sessions, and simply goofing around. His legacy is one of a man who turned hardship into strength, making sure his wife and children knew without question that they were loved.

Tony is survived by his loving wife, Crystal Calixto-Arce; children Kiarra, Luisa, Esguin, Aiden, and Alarys, Lacreda, and Ja'Kenzie; grandson Nash; and countless friends, co-workers, and extended family who will cherish his memory. 

Honorary pallbearers include Esguin Bocanegra, Aiden Yebra, and Alex Marquez, Miles Ferrone, and Jackie Ryals.

A celebration of Tony’s life will be held at a later date.

Tony will always be remembered for his devotion to his family, his “dad will do it” attitude, his endless teasing, and his contagious belly laugh. Above all, he will be remembered as a cowboy at heart—a man who gave everything for those he loved. We’ll miss you forever.

The family wishes to thank everyone who has supported them during this time. An immense gratitude goes out to Eutaw Construction Company and all their employees that made such generous donations and helped sort out and finalize paperwork. Also to Stella of the Mississippi Coroners office, you will never understand how your compassion, kindness, and empathy impacted the family during this situation.