Arturo was born on October 30, 1947, and grew up in Eagle Pass, Texas. He married his wife, Olga Gloria, in Weiser, Idaho, and together they shared 54 years of marriage and raised two daughters. The family settled in Ontario, Oregon, before moving to the Willamette Valley in 1983.
Arturo proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Specialist 4 (SP4) for three years before transferring to the Army National Guard, where he served an additional 10 years. In recognition of his honorable military service, Arturo received numerous awards and honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Overseas Service Bar, M-14 Marksman Badge, and the Bronze Star Medal for bravery.
Following his military service, Arturo pursued his passion for education. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Oregon University and a master’s degree in Education and Multicultural Education from Western Oregon University. After dedicating 30 years to teaching, he retired from the Salem-Keizer School District, where he taught at Highland Elementary, Parrish Middle School, and McNary High School.
Arturo loved traveling to Texas to visit his parents and 11 siblings. He also enjoyed road trips, fishing along the Snake River, and taking his grandchildren fishing and camping in his RV. His grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy, and he was their number one fan. Whether they were playing football, lacrosse, basketball, or baseball, Grandpa was there. He rarely missed a game and took great pride in cheering them on and being a huge part of their lives. The memories he created with his grandchildren will be treasured forever.
Arturo was also deeply committed to his community. He was one of the founding members of the Latino Action Committee (LAC), an organization dedicated to providing scholarships to local high school students. Through his involvement, he helped support and encourage the next generation.
Arturo is survived by his wife Olga T. Gloria; his daughter, Cyndi Walling (Jason); his four grandchildren, Jordan Rayburn (Levi), Joseph Arturo Gloria, Junior Walling (Lizzy), and Cristian Garcia; and his great-grandchildren, Lily and Luke Rayburn, along with Baby Boy Walling, expected in February 2027. He is also survived by his sister, Ana Sifuentes; his brothers, Santos and Carlos Gloria; and hundreds of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Angelica Maria Gloria; his parents, Joaquin and Maria Gloria; his sisters, Rosaura Saucedo and Concepcion Rios; and his brothers, Rosember, Joaquin, Pedro, Manuel de Jesus, and Jaime Gloria.
The family is being assisted by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service. Viewing visitation will be on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service in Salem, Oregon. A visitation and rosary will be held Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Vincent Catholic Church in Salem, Oregon followed by a funeral mass at 2:00pm. A funeral procession will follow to Claggett Cemetery in Keizer, Oregon, where a military honor guard will participate in his graveside service. Reception to follow.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service, Samaritan Palliative Care, Samaritan Evergreen Hospice, Fresenius Medical Care, and St. Vincent Catholic Church for their kindness, compassion, and care. A special thank-you goes to the Oregon Veterans’ Home in Lebanon for the excellent care Arturo received over the past three years. The family is also deeply grateful to the many friends and family members who have offered love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.
Arturo will be remembered for his service to his country, his dedication to education and community, and, above all, his unwavering love for his family. His legacy will live on through the generations he inspired and the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
