Clara Arnold

Clara Arnold, aged 85 died peacefully on July 23, 2014. Clara was one of 5 children born to James and Susie Abbott in St. John’s Newfoundland , Canada, on May 18, 1929. Clara passed away after a 9-day trip that she had been planning for several years to where she was born. On this trip she was accompanied by her daughter Sandy, son Clay and his wife Debbie, and close friend Denise. Clara visited places she remembered from her youth and shared stories with family and friends.

Clara met the love of her life on a blind date and married, July 1, 1950, LeRoy J. Arnold (U.S.Army SMG Ret.) who has proceeded her in death. Clara was also preceded in death by her first born daughter Mary.

Clara and LeRoy moved numerous times with LeRoy's 20 year career with the Army. During her husband’s two tours in Korea and one in Vietnam, Clara bore the full responsibility of parenting her surviving children: daughter, Debbie (Jay) Montange of San Antonio, TX; daughter Sandy (Kenneth) Simmons of Copperas Cove, TX; son Dan (Linda) Arnold of McKinney, TX; son Clay (Debbie) Arnold of Roscoe, IL. Clara’s passion, pride and joy are her 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Every bit of love she had was dedicated to her family and friends. Clara leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Clara was a committed and devoted follower of Jesus Christ for most of her life and openly credited her remarkable strength and courage to His grace. Clara loved flowers so they will be gratefully received. Any donations are requested in her husband’s name (LeRoy J. Arnold) to be given to Gideons International - Memorial Bible Fund for which they served God for over 30 years.

The Arnold family will receive guests for a time of visitation on Thursday, July 31, 2014 from 6-8 PM in the chapel of Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home of Copperas Cove, TX. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 1, 2014 at First Assembly of God Church beginning at 1:00 PM. She will be laid to rest with her beloved LeRoy in the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

Share condolences with the Arnold family by visiting www.crawford-bowers.org