Edward Arnett

Edward Lee Arnett of Mesquite, Texas, passed away on February 20, 2026, at the age of 89. Ed was born on March 23, 1936, in Hope, Arkansas to Robert Sidney Arnett and Beulah Lee Fugett Arnett Crider.
He grew up in Hope, Arkansas before joining the Marine Corps, and served his country during the Korean War era. Ed lived his faith out loud. He studied his Bible daily and never hesitated to talk about God with family, friends, or strangers. When asked how he was doing, he would often reply he was "fair to middlin" but lately he would also say "He would be better when that roll is called up yonder".

In 1957, Ed met the love of his life, Betty Dewine Williams, in Dallas, Texas. They married on March 22, 1958, one day before Ed turned 22, and shared 67 years of marriage. In 1959, they purchased a house on Sheryl Drive in Mesquite, where they built a home that became a place of welcome for more than sixty years. Over a dozen family members and friends were given a safe place to stay there as they began their lives in the Dallas area. Ed worked for the City of Richardson before retiring. He and Betty were active members of Wildwood Baptist Church and later Oates Drive Baptist Church, where they built lifelong friendships. Ed was also a member of the Korean War Veterans Association and, through his close friendship with Brother Pruett, was an honorary member of the USS Neches ship reunion for numerous years. Ed and Betty traveled with that group for many years.

Ed was a devoted husband and an extremely proud uncle. Known as "The Hogg Man," he and Betty were lifetime members of the Greater Dallas Razorback fan club and the Arkansas Razorback Foundation. He loved coffee, the Arkansas Razorbacks taking pictures, coffee, the color red, anything Arkansas related, oh and coffee. They took great joy in sharing Razorback games and pep rallies with nieces and nephews, and throughout their life they watched every game they could find on TV.

Ed is survived by his wife, Betty; his sister, Carolyn Caver; his in-laws Janice & Henry Bates, Kathy Joy & Joe Pearce, & Kathy & Mack Williams; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and bonus nieces and nephews from the church families. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers and their wives James and Ruby Arnett, Billy Joe and JoAnn Arnett, and Bobby Lee Arnett; his sisters, Betty Sue and husband Selby Johnson, and Henrietta and Jerry Lamb; and his brother-in-law, Billy Caver.

Ed will be remembered for his deep faith, his steady love for family, his pride in service, and the way he made people feel welcome. He lived well, loved deeply, and left behind a lasting legacy of faith, family, and fellowship. As Ed would say now if he was here.... "Wooo, Pig, Sooie!"