Rex "Tom" Thomas Arnold

Rex Thomas Arnold, lovingly known as Tom or Tommy, passed away unexpectedly on January 28, 2025, in Prescott, Arizona, at the age of 76. Born on January 9, 1949, in San Diego, California, Rex lived a life marked by hard work, dedication, and an unwavering love for family and friends.

A graduate of Monte Vista High School and Grossmont College, Rex built a successful career as the self-employed owner-operator of Curry Payphone Service. A true legend in the payphone industry both in Southern California and nationally, Rex's expertise and commitment to his work left a lasting impact on those who knew him professionally.

Beyond his career, Rex was a man of many passions. He had a deep love for baseball (Go Padres!) and football and was an avid gardener—his homegrown tomatoes were nothing short of legendary. His sense of humor, honor, and kindness made him not only a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend but also a mentor to many. Tough as nails yet endlessly loving and generous, Rex touched countless lives with his wisdom and warmth.

Rex is survived by his devoted wife and partner of nearly 38 years, Mary Lou; his son Scott and wife Carla; his stepson Jim and wife Kaleigh; and his cherished grandchildren Keaton Arnold, Aubree Harris, LaDesta Gribble, and Breana Pledger. Rex is also survived by his sister Nancy, brother William, and cherished cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Rex T.O. and Jadell Arnold, as well as his half-brother Gene Arnold.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Rex’s honor at his niece’s home in Escondido, California on July 11, 2025.

Those wishing to attend are kindly asked to RSVP to Mary Lou Arnold at [email protected] for address and details.

Please share your memories, stories and photos of Rex.

Rex’s legacy of love, laughter, and integrity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those who mourn his passing.

To Those I Love ~Isla Paschal Richardson

If I should ever leave you whom I love 

To go along the Silent Way, grieve not, 

Nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk 

Of me as if I were beside you there, 

(I’d come… I’d come, could I but find a way! 

But would not tears and grief be barriers?) 

And when you hear a song or see a bird I loved, 

Please do not let the thought of me be sad…

For I am loving you just as I always have… 

You were so good to me!

There are so many things I wanted still to do… 

So many things to say to you… 

Remember that I did not fear… 

It was just leaving you that was so hard to face… 

We cannot see Beyond… 

But this I know; I loved you so…

‘Twas heaven here with you!