David Nathan Arnold

David Nathan Arnold, 66, of Dayton, Texas, passed away on April 2, 2026. He was born on September 30, 1959, in Abington, Pennsylvania, to Leonard Ross Arnold and Jean Dale McKeever, both of whom preceded him in death.

David was a quiet, observant man who found joy in the simple beauty of life and in the people around him. He attended Crosby Church and held a deep faith in the Lord. He attended C.E. King High School and went on to earn a certificate in commercial diving from San Jacinto College. Over the years, he developed a strong work ethic, beginning his career in construction in the plants before becoming a commercial diver—a profession he enjoyed immensely. He later spent 20 years as a truck driver, retiring four years before his passing.

David had a deep love for the outdoors and a spirit of adventure. In his younger years, he owned sailboats and spent time sailing, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. He also loved motorcycles. In his later years, he found contentment in clearing land, doing yard work, and riding his lawn mower.

Above all, David cherished his family. He adored his grandson Mateo, whom he raised for three and a half years, and he took great pride in all of his grandchildren, treasuring every moment spent with them. He will also be remembered for the way he never ran out of stories from his youth and how much he loved sharing them, bringing laughter and connection to those around him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Leslie Marilyn Arnold; his son, Jay Anthony Alan Arnold; his daughters, Michelle Dawn Capi and her husband David, and Tiffany Alasia Arnold; his brother, Steven Ross Arnold and wife Elsie; and his sisters, Georgia Genna Leigh Arnold, and Debra Lynn Stevens and her husband Scott. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Siren Rey Capi, Damon Lawrence Capi, Evan Angelo Capi, and Mateo Jeremy Arnold-Garcia.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., also at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton, with Kim Mulkey officiating. Pallbearers will be Larry Ivy, Damon Capi, Robert Bailey, Ryan Bailey, Daniel Dillard, Chase Dillard, and Carson Dillard.

A burial will follow at Ryan Cemetery in Tarkington. David will be laid to rest alongside his parents, Leonard Ross Arnold and Jean Dale McKeever, who will be interred with him.

David will be remembered for his quiet strength, his love of family, the stories he so generously shared, and the steady, hardworking life he lived. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.