Obituary of Arthur G. Arias
On March 5, 2018, Arthur G. Arias, a.k.a. Dad, Hair, Pops, Papa, Popo Arias, Grandpa, Art, and so many more endearing names, went to be with the Lord after a long and fruitful life. Dad was loved by so many because he was the kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his back. He made a positive impact on so many people from his family, his church, his work, and friends and neighbors.
Dad was born in Houston on January 11, 1937. According to his sisters he was a handful growing up due to his mischievous nature. He was “all boy” and suffered many bumps and bruises during his life. Dad was tough all the way to the end. He never quit fighting. Each time that life knocked him down, as it often does to all of us, he would get back up stronger than ever. Dad suffered from numerous medical issues in his later years in life, but up into his 40”s he was as strong as they come.
His family can share stories for days about the things Dad taught them. He was known as a handy man. He could fix just about anything. He was innovative, and this proved to be a winning attribute while he worked for more than 30 years at Shell Oil Co. in research and development as a scientific glass-blower. He is accredited with starting the first glassblowing society in the Houston area, and his artistic skills with a torch and glass earned him numerous awards.
Dad was an avid fisherman and hunter up until the last 5 years of his life. He loved spending time with his family and friends at the lake, beach, or in the woods. He was most at home when he was surrounded by nature. He shared the love of the outdoors with his children, grandchildren, many other family members, and friends.
Dad also loved to cook. His specialty was smoked brisket. He was admired for his ability to produce a mouth-watering and tenderly smoked brisket. He had mastered his craft over the last 50+ years. He enjoyed serving others with his BBQ and his other talents throughout his life.
Dad was also an active member, when he was younger, of the Lorenzo de Zavala Masonic Lodge. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Arias; parents, Auscencio & Margarita Arias; brother, Andrew; sisters, Helen & Patsy; and his beloved companion for many years, Bandit (dog).
He is survived by his daughter, Arlinda Munsey & husband, James; grandchildren, Jimmy and his wife, Emily; and great-grandchildren, Eleanor Grace Munsey, Melissa (Missy) Foster and her husband, Clint, and Charles Munsey.
He is also survived by his son, Arthur Arias Jr. & wife, Debbie; grandchildren, Arthur Arias III, Christopher, and Brandon; son, Aaron Arias & wife, Kimmy; grandchildren, Amber Arias-Amorin & her husband, Damian, Cameron Arias-Peters & her husband, James, Jacob, Hunter, and Austin (Boss); son, Adrian & his wife, Renee; grandchildren, Blake and Travis; sisters, Joyce Garza & her husband, Dan, Irma Perez & her husband, Manuel; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Finally, Dad is survived by his loyal and loving companion, Bella (dog).
The passing of Dad has left a hole in our hearts. It is difficult to comprehend the enormity of this loss. Despite his age we believed he would live for many more years and for us his life was ended way too soon. The family takes comfort in knowing that he was a man of enormous faith. We have spent many hours talking about God. All that know him are glad that he no longer has to suffer and is now in the arms of our Lord. We look forward to the day when we will most surely see him again.
From his children Arlinda, Art, Aaron, and Adrian we would like to thank the extended family, friends, and neighbors that went out of there way to help care for him in his later years. We are honored and thankful that he is our dad, we miss him and will love him always!
A funeral service honoring the life of Arthur will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, March 10, 2018 at El Mesias United Methodist Church, 406 East Rittenhouse in Houston, Texas.
