Arnold P Swenson Jr.

Arnold (Sonny) Swenson Jr. was born in Port Arthur, Texas on February 14, 1930 to Arnold and Jessie Swenson. He was the oldest of 4 children, having two brothers and one sister. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School, Sonny served in reconnaissance in Berlin for the US Army. During one picture and information gathering mission, he and his group were captured and detained by the Russians. They were released 36 hours later, making headline news back home. Upon his return to Port Arthur, he met and later married Patsy Childs, a local school teacher. From their wedding on Valentine’s Day in 1959 and for almost 57 years, she was the love of his life. They were blessed with a daughter, Suzanne, a son, Pete, two grandchildren, Travis and Jennifer, and two great grandchildren, Abbey and Liam. Sonny was an active member of First Southern Methodist Church for most of his life. He, along with Patsy and his brother Jerry, owned and operated the family business Arnold’s Auto Supply. They cherished their customers and served the community until 1995 when they retired and closed Arnold’s. Sonny loved history and enjoyed sharing stories about Port Arthur. The family created incredible memories during weekend stays at their beach cabin fishing, sailing, and relaxing. Sonny was an avid weight lifter, jogger, and cyclist. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Patsy, daughter Suzanne, her husband Rob Harris, grandson Travis Myers, his wife Deb, and great grandchildren Abbey and Liam; son Pete, his wife Jeri-Lynn, and granddaughter Jennifer.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to send a love gift to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch

https://www.calfarley.org/boysranch/ or the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 and 11:30 am at

2600 Evergreen, Port Arthur.