Melba Arnold

Melba J Arnold passed peacefully at her home in Caldwell, Texas June 13, 2022 at the age of 89 years old. She was born at her Grandfathers house in Old River- Winfree, Texas on November 11, 1932 to Manson Clark and Comelia Fannett Clark. She often told stories of climbing up into her grandfather's peanut silo there and eating peanuts. She was the third oldest of eleven children and grew up around Old River, Goose Creek, Pelly and Baytown.

She was married to and outlived four husbands. The first two gave her, her wonderful daughters. The third, Gene Arnold, was the love of her life and her last one, Warren Shankle, was the sweetest companion anyone could have asked for.

Melba did not get to graduate from high school but did attend night school to receive her GED. She wanted to set a good example of the importance of education.

To say Melba enjoyed the outdoors is a gross understatement. She loved mowing, clearing brush and gardening. She had a wonderful green thumb. She loved nature and enjoyed sharing her yard with deer, bob cats, armadillos, rabbits and squirrels and the many birds that would visit her birdbath. She also loved bowling, sewing and doing activities with her girls, such as Blue Birds, Campfire Girls, Girl Scouts and Pioneer Girls.

She was a true Christian woman, and tried to always set a good example for her girls. She attended Minnitex Community Church in Houston, Lone Oak Baptist in Snook and the Methodist Church in Caldwell.

She is survived by three daughters: Marsha Mitchell of Tomball, Texas; Pam and Paul Dunlap of Mont Belvieu, Texas; and Dina and Steve Leavings of Caldwell, Texas and one son Curtis Willmon of Odessa, Texas: 12 Grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters and two brothers: Woodrow Carroll, Patsy Denman, Rita Coe, Vickie Daniel, and Floyd Carroll.

She was preceded in death by her dear Mother: Comelia Mott; Three sisters: Gloria Ellis, Frieda Morris and Faye Garber; and two brothers Frank Carroll and Stanley Carroll: and will be joining her sweet and loving daughter.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM Thursday June 16, 2022 at the Triple C Cowboy Church 11538 FM 3058 in Caldwell Texas with Pastor Chris Snidow bringing the message. A luncheon will be served before the service for the family at 12 o'clock noon.

Pallbearers will be Curtis Willmon, Jarimie Holdgraf, Paul Dunlap Jr., Josh Black, Joe Black and Curt Dunlap.

Arrangements will be through Strickland Funeral Home 530 Hwy 36 South, Caldwell Texas 77836 979-567-1900. Interment will be at Garden of Memories 525 West Loop St. El Campo, TX 77437.