Edwin Douglas Arnold

Edwin Douglas Arnold, 95, a longtime resident of Tyler, TX went to be with our Lord on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at Georgetown Living, an Assisted Living & Alzheimer’s Facility in Georgetown, TX. Born in Thomasville, GA, to Jesse and Mildred Arnold, he grew up in Hobe Sound, Florida. Ed built his career in the domestic and international oil and gas drilling industry. From 1964 to 1968, he served as Chief Drilling Engineer for Delta Drilling Company’s domestic operations and foreign operations in Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Italy and Mexico. In 1968, he began working for The Offshore Company in Houston as Assistant Manager, Eastern Hemisphere Operations, and traveled the world while negotiating offshore drilling contracts in Japan, Egypt, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Nigeria and Ghana. In 1971, he returned to Delta Drilling Company, departing in 1980 to begin a new business venture, Continental Drilling Company, as founder and President. After graduating from Stuart High School in Stuart, FL, Ed attended the University of Florida and played football (running back) for two years before he and his two brothers enlisted in the armed services during WWII. Ed served in the Army Air Corps from 1942-1945 and was honorably discharged as 1st Lieutenant, Navigator. In 1951, he was recalled to serve in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952. During his service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, five Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with five Bronze Stars, for missions flown in the South Pacific and Southwest Pacific Theatres. In 1945, he enrolled at Texas A&M University and played baseball (catcher.) He married Roxie Mae Yates in 1947 before being recalled into the Korean War. In 1949, he graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He became a member of the Park Place Masonic Lodge in Houston. Ed is predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Roxie; their infant daughter Debbie; his parents; brothers, Jesse and Horace; and sister, Verna. He is survived by his son, Ed Arnold (Donna) of Houston; daughter Kathy O’Brien of Austin and San Antonio; sister Juanita Moore (Bill) of Stuart, FL; granddaughters Jennifer Arnold of Houston and Ann O’Brien of Austin; grandsons Christopher Arnold of Conroe and Greg O’Brien of AL; and seven great-grandchildren. The family extends their thanks to the many caregivers who have loved and cared for him during recent years, particularly Marcela, Myra, Vanessa, Amber, Alicia and Desiree at Georgetown Living. And our very special thanks to Char Hu and his family. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1301 S. Broadway, Tyler, TX 75701. Visitation will be at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy., in Tyler, on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, from 4:00-6:00 PM. Graveside services will be held on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, at 2:00 PM, at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery in Tyler.

Edwin Douglas Arnold

October 31, 1921 - November 16, 2016