Theodore “Junior” Arndt, Jr., age 87, passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Waco, TX surrounded by his loving family.
Junior was born on August 17, 1933 in Durango, TX to the late Theodore and Mary Arndt. After school, Junior moved to Dallas for work then returned back home several years later where he bought his Durango home and the “Famous” Durango Inn beer joint. He would run the beer joint for several years before returning to Dallas where he met his late wife, Evelyn “Sam” Arndt, and worked at Love Field maintaining jets and aircrafts for over 30 years. While working and living in Dallas, Junior continued to make weekly visits to maintain his Durango home and ranch. He would eventually retire and settle in Durango, TX with Sam where he continued to run cattle and drive tractors up until his final days.
Junior was well known for his outgoing personality and never met a stranger. He could talk to anyone for hours if they let him. Junior enjoyed making his “rounds” to check cattle and admire the beauty of Durango. Junior was also known for his big heart for all of his grandchildren. He loved spending summers traveling with them across the US visiting over 30 states and briefly entering two countries.
Junior is survived by his son; Terry Arndt of Durango, TX and daughter Tammie Lewis and husband Kelly of Hewitt, TX, sister; Shirley Arndt, grandchildren; T.J. Arndt, Timothy Arndt, Tonya Ramos, Tanner Arndt, Steven Lewis, Kristina Leatherwood, Michael Leatherwood, Dustin Powers, Matt Powers, Heather Geurin, Chante Norfolk, Chrystal Payne, James Mitchell, and Amanda Cumbie, and many great- grandchildren.
Visitation will be conducted at Pecan Grove Funeral Home at 3124 N. Robinson Dr. in Waco, TX, Sunday, January 3, 2021 from 4-6pm. Graveside services will be conducted by John Michalak on Monday January 4, 2021 at 10:00am at the Cego Cemetery.
Pallbearers: T.J. Arndt, Timothy Arndt, Tanner Arndt, Steven Lewis, Michael Leatherwood, Dustin Powers, Matt Powers, and Blake Arndt.