Arnold Rivera

Mr. Arnold Rivera, the eldest of three children, passed away January 12, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Mexico on July 13, 1921, to the union of T.L. Rivera and Carmen Sanchez. His father, an officer with the rank of general in the military, was granted political asylum in the United States in 1927. The decedent was seven years old in 1928 when he and the rest of his family emigrated by train from Mexico City to El Paso, Texas, where his father had established residence. Mr. Rivera was raised in the Cd. Juarez-El Paso area, his education taking place in both cities. After completing elementary school in Mexico, he attended Palmore Business College (non-existent now) and graduated from El Paso High School in 1941. Drafted into the Army in 1942, he served honorably with distinction in World War II, serving through campaigns in Normandy, Northern France and Central Europe. Assigned to SHAEF, he served in a special mission assignment in the currency section for France and later in the currency section for Germany. Among his various decorations and awards, he was recipient of Certificate of Merit, signed by General Dwight Eisenhower, and then awarded Commendation Medal with Metal Pendant. Prior to his military discharge, he attended Biarritz American University in France and back home attended Texas College of Mines and the University of Southern California, He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Art degree in linguistics. As a civilian, he was an active member of both Texas National Guard and the U.S. army Reserve, from which he retired as Chief Warrant Officer.

In 1956, the Honorable Judge R.E. Thomson appointed Mr. Rivera as U.S. Probation Officer of the Western District of Texas with a challenge that Mr. Rivera qualify himself if he was to accept the position. Mr. Rivera accepted the challenge and satisfied the Court’s requirement by attending selected courses at the University of Chicago. He became the first Hispanic to serve the federal court system in El Paso and the first qualified Hispanic probation officer in the State of Texas. He was highly regarded and respected, having served under the following federal district judges: R.E. Thomason; D.W. Suttle; Ernest Guinn; John H. Wood, Jr.; William Sessions; and Chief Judge Adrian Spears of San Antonio, Texas.

He is survived by his adoring wife of 65 years, Yolanda Madeline, and daughters Yolanda Isela (Ortega); Elizabeth Mary (Sutton); Marguerite Alma (Rivera); and son Robert L Rivera of Austin, Texas. Mr. Rivera was predeceased by his parents, his son, Arnold Javier, brother, Victor Javier Rivera, and sister, Hilda Rivera de Cuaron. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Brian McClure, Lori McClure, Michael Ortega, Jr., Monica Sherman, Jennifer Rivera, Dominic Rivera, Anastasia Houze and Gabrielle Houze: 9 great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces in Mexico and the United States,

Arnold Rivera was an avid reader and good writer, having completed his autobiography in book form as a legacy to his children. Besides writing and reading, he enjoyed gardening and playing classical music at the home he loved and enjoyed with his wife. He is described as an intelligent, responsible, loving parent, amicable, considerate and well-respected. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends, of which he had many. Special thanks to Dr. Arianna Bender.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm with a Rosary at 7:00 pm at Martin Funeral Home West. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday January 16, 2014 at 11:30 am at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Burial to follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr. El Paso, Texas 79912. www.martinfuneralhomewest.com