Tony Joe Arzola

Tony Joe Arzola, 98 of Peculiar, MO (formerly of Kansas City), went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 18, 2017. Visitation will be Thursday, May 25, 2017 from 6-9 pm at McGilley Midtown Chapel, 20 W. Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, MO. Funeral services will be Friday, May 26, 2017 at 10:00 am at Sheffield Family Life Center, 5700 Winner Rd., Kansas City, KCMO. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Tony was born to Arcadio and Hermelinda Arzola on March 8, 1919 in San Luis, Potosi, Mexico. He was a man who loved God, a constant in so many lives and will be dearly missed. As a US Navy man, Tony fought bravely in World War II. His ship, the destroyer USS Bush (DD 529) was sunk on April 6, 1945 in the Sea of Japan during the battle and after many hours of being lost-at-sea, he was rescued and immediately re-deployed and persevered to return to his family. In life, he continued to persevere helping to raise/guide both family and strangers. Tony was highly respected, greatly loved and known through the years as a father, son, brother, grandfather, great and great-great grandfather-the family called him Gramps or Uncle Tony.

He was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife Phyllis “Felipa” Arzola; son Paul Arzola; brothers Arcadio I and II and John Arzola; sisters Victoria Rodriguez, Jesse Amayo, Mercedes Ortega, Katie Valdiviez and Socorro Padilla. Tony is survived by his daughter, Angela Guerra; son Carlos Arzola; one sister, Irene Garcia and three brothers, Rudy Arzola, Salvador “Chava” Arzola and Leo Arzola. Left to cherish his memory are 7 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 18 great-great grandchildren. Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.mcgillymidtownchapel.com.