He was born in Los Angeles on September 17, 1952 to Parents, Conrado Humberto and Nena Villegas. Arnold was the youngest of their three boys, Conrad (Tony) and Ernie. Arnold was a very active child, excelling in sports and engaging in other mischievous antidotes with cousins and friends. He attended Canyon High School, played football and developed lifelong friendships, graduating in 1971. He then went on to attended College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, CA during which time he married Sue Ebersole. They had three children, Arnold Matthew, Kevin and Carli. He adored them and was extremely proud of their achievements and the adults they became.
After moving to Yuma, AZ and working at the family restaurant, he started his career with the Yuma County Sheriff’s Department embracing the opportunity to work with various task forces, which lead to long-standing friendships. In 1982 after his separation, he went, North to Alaska! Where he assisted his older brother Conrad with remote cable installation and worked for the Waterfall Corp. in Ketchikan making memories with some amazing individuals. While visiting Juneau, AK he was introduced to Donnet Rowland, who later became his wife of 34 years. Arnold engaged in various culinary opportunities before reestablishing his law enforcement career at Lemon Creek Correctional Center. Arnold and Donnet had a son Rowan in 1997, who will forever be a blessing.
Arnold always found the time to pursue the things he loved to do, fishing, softball (pitcher), travel, ride his motorcycle, cook for family and friends and hang out with the Samoans. He especially enjoyed it when Matt, Kevin or Carli would come for a visit and participate in remote camping, tournaments, New Year’s celebrations, weddings, sandcastle-building contests, working at Avis car rental, or Alaska travel service, the list goes on! After 22 years in Alaska, Arnold, Donnet and Rowan, along with his In-Laws Pat and Ted Vadman moved to Yuma, AZ in 2004 on Kevin’s birthday July 26th!! Here Arnold followed his heart and went to work for Tyler’s Taste of Texas which lead to an opportunity to open his own restaurant, “Arnie’s Café”. He reunited with old friends and established new ones. He sponsored the Yuma Scorpions, befriended Mike Marshall from the Los Angeles Dodgers, and hosted classic car gatherings such as the “Show and Shine”. After closing the doors to Arnie’s Cafe, he continued cooking and sharing recipes at Texas Roadhouse, the Elks and Sodexo for Arizona Western College (AWC). It was during this time, he started moon lighting as a Security Officer for AWC where he remained until the end. Arnold “Chef” loved being part of the “Iron Order” Motorcycle Club, he cherished his IO brothers and their family bond. He was honored to be Joey’s Godfather, and proud to be given his own special name “Papanino”.
For those that knew Arnold, Arnie, Chef, Dad, Papanino, there is no replacing him, he was one of a kind, the best and will truly be missed. His big smile, unbelievable sense of humor, and his big reassuring bear hugs! Arnie had so many wonderful friends and family spread all over the place, everywhere that he went he would bring smiles and warm welcomes, he was bigger than life and a hero to his kids, and soul-mate to his wife, the best brother, uncle, son, cousin, partner, that anyone could ever want. While he was alive he loved to be with his family and friends and enjoy great food and great times, we will honor him by doing exactly that at 2:00 pm on July 6, 2019 at Gloria De Cristo Church, 11273 E. 40th Street, Yuma Foothills (928) 342-6002, Reception will follow (5:00 pm) at the home of Claudia and Rico Fonseca, 7183
25th Street, Yuma, AZ . We are all so blessed to have had Arnie in our lives, his huge heart and unselfish ways are what made him such a great man. Your work is done here Arnie, you’ve done your part in making this a better world. Now go rest easy, we’ll take it from here. We love you!
In Lieu of flowers please donate to: Pyper Womack at the National Bank.
