TORRINGTON – Theodore Dean Arnold died peacefully, Marcy 12, 2018, at the Goshen Community Health Center. He was 91.
Better known as Ted, he was born May 17, 1926, to Earl Paul and Ruth Almira (Himes) Arnold on their homestead near LaGrange, with the help of a doctor from Yoder. He grew up and attended school in Hawk Springs, then went to work on the railroad. He married Tressa Lou Ludden on June 8, 1947.
Surviving are children Jerry Dean (Sarah) Arnold, Scottsbluff, Neb., Barbara Lou (Richard) Kissler, Donna, Texas, Laura Sue (William) Street, Casper, and Earl Ray, Riverton, Ill. Grandchildren are Carrie Deane, Matthew Dean, Elizabeth Anne, Jonathon David, Natasha Ruth, Monica LeRayne, Justin Daniel, Theodore Eugene, Aaron LeRay, Brandy Lee, Tressa Stephanie, Morgan Leigh and numerous great-grandchildren. Also surviving are siblings Elnora (Don) Turner, Grand Junction, Colo., Janet (Floyd) Field, Casper, and Myrna Ellis, Hawk Springs.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Tressa, on Aug. 21, 1997, parents Earl and Ruth Arnold, son Donald J. Arnold, daughter Tracy Lee Starrett, grandson Timothy James Arnold, a brother Paul Arnold, sister Wilma (and her twin brother Wilbur, at birth) Ronne.
Ted worked in the oil fields, was a truck driver for Blackwatch, and an irrigation ditch rider in Nebraska and Colorado. After suffering a stroke in the 1990s, Ted worked odd jobs and kept going like the Energizer bunny. He was known as Papa Duck for all the duck puppets he hand made and gave away. He was also well known for riding his scooter everywhere. He loved gardening and, in his later years, playing cards.
In his memory, contributions may be made to the Friendship Center of Torrington. Private services will be held at a later date.
