Arnold Cavazos graced us with his entertaining personality and strong presence 67 years ago. He was born on August 25,1956, in Bakersfield California to his parents Arturo and Josefina Cavazos.

Arnold was a character. As such he played many roles in his lifetime. He was so many different things to so many people. He was a Son, Husband, Dad, Uncle, a Brother and Best Friend. He was a Papa, and the best one at that! His life was always spent surrounded by family, no matter where he went.

From early on, his time was spent working alongside his family. He worked on a ranch in Buttonwillow CA and attended school in Texas where he grew up with his sisters, brothers and many cousins and friends. Working alongside his brother and dad were some of his favorite times with them. Memories he always treasured.

In 1975 Arnold made the decision to join the Armed Forces. At 18 years old he became a member of the United States Navy. He took great pride in being a Veteran. He took even more pride in being there to witness his "Mijo", his grandson Carter follow in those footsteps as he took his oath, becoming a United States Marine. It was one of his proudest moments.

After being in the service, he settled down. Living in Buttonwillow on the ranch, he got married and started a family with Patti Cavazos who he was married to for 30 years. They moved to Bakersfield CA  continuing to raise their four children together. Arnold and Patti had an amazing, supportive and comical friendship like no other and were always there for one another up until the very end.

Together they created an amazing family which consisted of four children, five grandchildren, many "chosen" children and one soon to be Great-Grandchild.

Later in life he met his partner Sharon, along with her two adult children and four grandchildren who he cared very greatly for.

Arnold had many hobbies in his retired years, most of which included his grandchildren. He never missed a hockey game, a soccer game, a high school graduation, band or choir performance or any other event big or small. He loved trying new things like eating sushi for the first and last time.  He also took great joy in officiating marital ceremonies for close friends & family as an ordained minister. He loved music, singing and playing it on his guitar or at parties and weddings. Arnold loved teaching and playing guitar, cooking, singing, making tamales every Christmas with his daughters and Patti (supervising). He loved chatting on the phone with his sisters and hanging out with his best buddy. Arnold had so many things that he loved to do, but what he loved the most weren't things, they were people…..

Arnold was preceded in death by his parents Arturo Cavazos Sr. and Josefine Cavazos. His brother Mario Cavazos, nephew Dustin Graves, Brother-in-law Orvile Vance, Sister-in-law Vicki Graves, and other family members that he missed dearly.

He is survived by his daughter, Casey Cavazos-Pelzer and son Daniel Pelzer.                              By his son Michael Cavazos and daughter-in-law Cassi Cavazos, daughter Brandy Bruno and        son-in-law Daniel Bruno. Daughters, Delaney Cavazos and Katy Doyle and his former wife, Patti Cavazos and partner Sharon.

His grandchildren, Carter, Caylee, Dannie, Mayci, Colton, and Mykenzie. His best friend and brother John Moreno, sister Corina Saenz, sister Mary Cano and brother-in-law Israel Cano, Brother Arturo Cavazos Jr. sister-in-law Bertha Cavazos and Diana Cavazos. Sister-in-law Shirley Vance and brother-in-law Gary Burleson. Nieces, Shelli, Christina, Adalina, Summer, Cindy, Lisa, Yvette, Cassie, Dee-Dee, Ellie and Ariana. Nephews, Alberto Rene, David, Dustin, Rusty, Caleb and many great nieces, great nephews, and cousins that he loved very much.

It is impossible to put on paper how much he loved his family, his sisters, his best friend. However, Arnold expressed to his daughter Casey on many occasions, even more recently while in the hospital, that…

His happiest moments in life were spent sitting at her house, watching, talking with and listening to his children, grandchildren and family laughing and that it was the place he wanted to be the most. So, we will give him that once again, together……

Graveside Memorial with Navy Honors Ceremony for Arnold will be held at Bakersfield National Cemetery in Arvin, California on February 27, 2024, beginning at 2:30 pm. A private family celebration of life to follow contact Casey.