Obituary of Arnold Bonillas Morones

Arnold Bonillas Morones was welcomed into the kingdom of Heaven on April 1, 2020. Born in Douglas, Arizona on August 28, 1946. Preceded in death by his father, Arnulfo Flores Morones, sister Alicia (Guera) Para and brother Tito Morones. Survived by this mother, Emma Bonillas Morones;  3 sons (Mario, Bartholmew and Tommy), daughter, Lorraine and seven grandchildren (Clarissa, Priscilla, Corena, Jessica, Vanessa, Elizabeth and Hailey); three great grandchildren (Adam, Eve, and Marina) and brothers, Joe (Martha), Ruben (Norma) Morones and Sisters, Gresilda (Dave), Connie (David), Martina (Frank) and Terry. Also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins all whom he loved very much. 

Arnold’s academic excellence was recognized as he was chosen Class President of John Spring Middle School, Tucson High and the Honor Society and led various high esteem academic clubs. As a High school freshman, he was selected to play on the Varsity Football team was recruited and offered a 4-year college football scholarship at Stanford University. His gift and talent in writing earned him numerous awards in writing, poetry, and speech and selected Valedictorian of his graduating class. Arnold became a Master Carpenter, earning an Arizona Contractor Carpenter license to establish his own corporation.  We often said he would take an unwanted space and turn it into a masterpiece!

Arnold’s compassion and empathy for others was linked to knowing everyone (regardless of creed, nationality or circumstance) mattered and deserved respect to be heard. He often said his faith inspired by God fueled him to press on and not lose hope. Our visits with him included his favorite homemade foods (carne con chile, rice, beans, tamales, menudo) following what he called staple food (Pat’s chile dogs, chicharones, popcorn, a bulk of chiltepines and a coke) preceded by a bible study or discussion on Apostle Paul or Apostle John citing his favorite bible scripture John 3:16 (KJV)

he recited this poem:                                                                    

The Cross

 “Are you counting on me to tell of your lovely faith, to use one as faulty and timid as I.

Tell me Dear Lord, I pray.

Quietly waiting the answer came and the Lord so kind and true

I have no other way of reaching the lost and depending entirely on you

Depending entirely on me? (A great thought) as I’m used as a failure and lost?

For friends at my side have gone into the night and I pointed them not to the Cross.

Forgive me great Father, forgive me I pray.

And David reminding me you have no other way

Amen.

Viewing will be on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 from 10 am-11​am with Pastora Esthela Ruiz officiating​ the funeral from 11 am-12 pm at Bring’s Broadway Chapel in Tucson.

For family and friends not able to attend and wish to pay their respects may do so through live webcasting of the event at: 

http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/27031

         Following the Service, Arnold will be laid to rest at Holy Hope Cemetery.​