Paul Leon Arnold
Paul Leon Arnold (1939-2025)
A Memorial Service will take place on January 17, 2025 from 2 – 3 p.m., followed by a reception from 3 – 4 p.m., at Crowder Funeral Home, 111 E. Medical Center Blvd., Webster, Texas 77598.
Paul Leon Arnold was born May 21, 1939, in Lyons, Kansas, to parents John Rayburn Arnold and Eva Elvena Whit, passing from this life to be with his Lord on January 10, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Billie Ray Arnold, sister Eva Edna Arnold Cannon, and brother-in-law Lloyd Cannon. Surviving Paul are his loving wife, Betty Kaye Floyd Arnold; children, David Ray Arnold, Cynthia Kaye Arnold Smith, and Stacey Diane Arnold Green; sons-in-law Roger Smith and James Green; daughter-in-law Pam Arnold; grandchildren Warren Smith (and wife Haley Smith), Wesley Smith, Lindsey Green, and Jack Green; great granddaughter Robyn Smith; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom he dearly loved.
Although born in Kansas, Paul grew up in Gainesville and San Angelo, Texas, and Ponca City, Oklahoma, where he graduated from high school in 1957. He attended Abilene Christian College, graduating in 1961 as a Bachelor of Science in education, with a minor in history (a lifelong interest). While teaching high school history classes, Paul attended the University of Houston, completing a Master of Education degree in 1966. He held professional certifications in Texas as a teacher, principal and superintendent.
In 1958, while a sophomore at ACC (now ACU), Paul met the love of his life, Betty Kaye Floyd, a freshman from Shreveport, Louisiana. God is good, and He brought these two together in a Christian environment, where love flourished. Both shared a common religious heritage in Churches of Christ; their love for each other grew, as did their love for God. Engaged in November 1959, they were married September 3, 1960, in the Creswell Street Church of Christ in Shreveport, Louisiana, just before Paul’s senior year began.
Following Paul’s graduation, the young couple moved to La Marque, Texas, where Paul began a 34-year career in education. During that time, he served as a teacher, principal, HR director, assistant superintendent (business), and superintendent. At retirement, he began a 25-year association with Region IV Education Service Center, working as part-time education specialist in teacher recruiting and an independent contractor for educational services.
Paul’s faith in God led him to be a lifelong Bible student who enjoyed teaching adult Bible classes. In teaching these classes, he particularly enjoyed combining Bible content and history in his lessons. Church history was a particular specialty. Serving Jesus and others was a major focus of his life. In addition to teaching, he served various congregations as a deacon and a shepherd, and assisting and leading special projects (including hurricane relief), and preaching occasionally.
Paul was one of the elders at Clear Lake Church of Christ when I was hired 25 years ago. He was a faithful leader who loved well and was willing to change his mind when convinced by scripture. I remember many times sitting in meetings where some topic was being debated and various opinions were being expressed. Finally, someone would ask, “Paul, what do you think?” Paul, had been quietly listening, thinking and processing all the information being presented. He would then speak what he believed to be the best course of action to follow and quite often that would be the end of the discussion.
Paul was a fine man. Me and my late wife worked with Paul for the years we worked in La Marque ISD. He was my principal for many years at La Marque High School. Condolences and prayers to his entire family. He will be missed but not forgotten.
I grew up and had Paul as a principal as well as a neighbor during my High School years. He and Betty were the nicest and kindest people I know. He always had great wisdom. Paul was always interested in what how we were doing and good friends to my parents who have since passed. I always remember him fondly.
Paul had a very.big influence on our lives. He encouraged Keith to teach in Sunday school. He was always patient with Keith and Diane thought the world of him. God’s blessings on Betty, and the rest of the family.
Paul was superintendent in La Marque ISD when I was superintendent in Texas City ISD. My wife, Linda, was also an employee of La Marque ISD when Paul was superintendent. Paul was an exceptional educator and friend. His level of expertise in all phases of school operations was extensive. As exceptional as he was as an educator, he excelled at even greater heights as a person. He embodied kindness, compassion and humility in everything he did. Paul’s influence will be felt for generations through his personal family, as well as his educational and church family. My life is better because Paul Arnold was my friend.