Arnold T. Sikes

Services for Arnold Talmadge Sikes, 78, of Tyler will be held Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Stewart Family Funeral Home, Tyler, Texas. Rev. Dr. Stan Copeland, Senior Pastor of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas will officiate. A visitation is planned prior to the funeral at Stewart Family Funeral Home on Friday, January 19 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Arnold passed away Monday, January 15, 2018 from complications following heart surgery. Arnold was born on June 30, 1939, in Coleman, Texas to the late Delilah May and Amos Talmadge Sikes. Arnold was the eldest of five siblings and is survived by two brothers (David and wife Patricia, Charles and wife Jan and sister, Mary Ann Sikes). He was preceded in death by his younger brother Jerry Wayne. Arnold is also survived by sons Brent Duane of Lewisville and Chad Wayne of Duluth, Minnesota. Arnold is also survived by and was always devoted to his loving wife Sharon of 56 years. Their love for each other was evident to all that met them. Life was difficult in West Texas as a young boy due in large part to the drought of the 50’s. Due to his Dad’s health, Arnold had to take on the responsibilities of manhood in his early teens. Arnold graduated from Abilene High School. After high school Arnold served in the Army Intelligence Agency as a courier. In the military he continued to aid his family, and yet, toured much of Europe by combining resources to make the best of his opportunities while there. Arnold also graduated from Texas Tech University, where he earned a degree in accounting and later earned his CPA certificate. He practiced as a CPA in Midland, Texas until the lure of oil and gas fields called and that vocation soon became a passion. He was a successful independent oil man. He loved the oil and gas industry and valued the many relationships and friendships he made with investors, royalty owners, and industry service companies. Together, Arnold and Sharon shared a vision of providing a ministry to families of stillborn infants. That vision became a reality in the form of Angel Layettes. They nurtured and grew this ministry and as a result, it has continued to flourish due to their dedicated efforts. Arnold was a soft spoken gentleman with a persuasive nature. He knew how to build a team to accomplish a common goal. He was a calming agent in every situation in family and business situations.. He loved people and was dedicated to helping people all of his life. Arnold loved to play golf and was an active member of the SMGA at Hollytree Country Club. He leaves behind a large circle of friends. To many of them, Arnold will be remembered as the best man they knew. Pallbearers will be Hector Barrios, Rick Carnes, Kent Castagno, Billy Higginbotham, Richard (Rich) Lottman and Mark Mueller. Honorary pallbearers are the Board of Directors-Angel Layettes, Cristal Barrios, Sarah Campbell, Sandy Douglas, Megan Higginbotham, Robert E. and Mary Lee and the Tuesday Tigers-Hollytree Country Club. The family would also like to extend their sincere appreciation to Arnold’s caregivers at Owens Heart Hospital in Tyler. The doctors, nurses and staff cared for Arnold with compassion throughout his illness. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Angel Layettes, PO Box 6618, Tyler, Texas 75711 (www.angellayettes.org).

Arnold T. Sikes

June 30, 1939 - January 15, 2018