ROLAND LEROY ARNOLD
1927-2018
Roland Leroy Arnold (“Ron”), beloved husband, father, grandfather and good friend to many, passed away on Monday, April 23rd, 2018 at his home in Houston, Texas. He was 90 years old. Ron was born at home on July 8th, 1927 in New Haven, Indiana to Bryant Edward Arnold and Leota Mae Koehlinger Arnold. He attended New Haven High School, where he excelled in baseball and basketball for the “New Haven Bulldogs.”
Following high school, Ron served in the Merchant Marines and the United States Army during World War II. He was honorably discharged with the W.W. II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal, Japan. After the war, Ron attended Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio. He distinguished himself in baseball, as President of his fraternity (Alpha Sigma Phi) and graduating in 1952 on the Dean’s List with honors. He subsequently attended Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration and received his MBA in 1954. Ron had a long and distinguished career in the banking and financial business; he was President and CEO of six banks.
In the 1970’s, Ron moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he was a Senior Bank Officer and member of the Corpus Christi Country Club. It was during that time he met and married Bonnie Cameron Dukes; they were happily married for 43 years.
Ron and Bonnie moved to Dallas, TX, where he was President and CEO of North Park National Bank, an instructor at Southern Methodist University School of Banking and a member of the Northwood Country Club,
Later in his career, after moving to Houston, Ron worked as a Financial Consultant for Merrill Lynch and as an Investment Executive for Paine Webber. He was a member of and involved with the Harvard Business School Club of Houston, Rotary International, American Bankers Association Board of Investment Division, a member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, Houston Racquet Club and a past president of the Memorial High School Booster Club. His long-time dear friend, Duane McCullough, said it best, “Ron Arnold was the sweetest, nicest, kindest man I ever knew.” His stepson, Scott Dukes, at eleven years of age said after his mother married Ron, “I’m going to call Ron “Kind Sir.” That name stayed with him all his life. Ron loved and adored all of his family - they meant everything to him, especially his six grandchildren. He was so proud of each and every one of them for all their outstanding accomplishments.
Ron is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie; son, Randy Arnold and his wife, Lynn; daughter, Sheri Arnold Price and husband, James; son, Scott Dukes and wife, Donna; son, Richard Dukes and wife, Katherine; sister, Glenna Critchfield; brother, Dale Arnold and wife, Dorothy; brothers-in-law, Dr. Richard Cameron and wife, Kay; and Scott Cameron. He is survived also by grandchildren; Jennifer Arnold and partner, Rick Matvija; Diana Arnold Clifford and husband Mike; Kristina Arnold and fiancé, Michael Pascaru; Benjamin Dukes; Madeleine Dukes; Amanda Dukes Gann and husband, Les; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Phyllis Barnhart.
Our deepest gratitude to David E. Mouton, M.D., Houston Methodist West Hospital; devoted caregivers, Blanca Nerio and Margareta Perez; Allstar Hospice and it’s amazing staff; Lynnwood L. Jones, our neighborhood security guard, for his constant attention, assistance and friendship. A very grateful and sincere thanks to Dick and Kay Cameron, who were so devoted, supportive and uplifting during Ron’s final months.
Ron will be cremated and honored at a later date with a “Celebration of His Life.” Thank you to everyone for your love, prayers and support.