John Crisosten Arenas, affectionately known as "John Bear", was called Home suddenly by our Lord on Saturday, July 19, 2014.
Born to Domingo C. and Olivia Arenas on June 24, 1959 in Goliad, Texas, John was the second born child and first son to Domingo and Olivia. A loving son, devoted brother and a true friend to all, John was a man with a magnanimous spirit, bigger than life. His sisters and brother describe him as amazingly talented, hysterically hilarious and probably the BEST friend you would ever have.
John Bear had a passion and talent for cooking that started at an early age. He enjoyed cooking all kinds of great food, but his biggest joy was to barbecue. When he barbecued, it was always enough to serve an army. Devoted to all the many sports he loved, John was an immensely passionate fan of the Dallas Cowboys, UT Longhorns and above all, his beloved Texas Rangers! John was a regular attendee to the Ranger games and was one of the first to arrive for the annual Opening Day celebration, hosting large tailgates and, of course, preparing a huge barbecue for his friends. John loved music and dance, all kinds of music, but country western was where he lived, and oh my, how he could tear up the dance floor ''' all the girls waiting in line to dance with John.
In the Kenedy High School band, he played the saxophone and was also in the school's Stage Band, where he demonstrated a phenomenal talent for playing the drums. A 1977 graduate of Kenedy High, he was recognized as "Most Talented" by his classmates. Graduating from Texas State University in 1985, with a degree in Computer Information Systems, John was the first member of his family to receive a college degree. He would begin his life-long career in Information Technology, which would lead him to his work and home in Murphy, Texas.
John, who resided in Murphy, Texas, was employed for the past 17 years with AT&T and was a Senior Technical Director. As an employee of AT&T, John participated in many of the company's philanthropic initiatives and was instrumental in leading the annual United Way Golf Tournament, a benefit event for which he took great pride.
For a man who truly was bigger than life, a loving family member has best captured his essence with the following tribute:
"Seeing John meant laughter was about to shake the room. He told jokes faster than a machine gun, in English and Spanish with perfect accents that would make me double over in laughter, literally.
And out of nowhere there were his gritos, which would make eardrums vibrate. (gritos are celebratory yells associated with Tejano music) John loved music. He could sing Johnny Cash songs like no one I've ever known. Right now, I can still hear, "the train a comin". The room would stop to listen and smile. John's gift to the world was to make people smile.
John had a movie star's charm and likeability. He was quick to say hello and make a joke about you in the same breath. When John made fun of you, it meant he really liked you. John deserves a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
John captivated our hearts and laughter and held them hostage.
John is still making me laugh and cry.
John Arenas is Unforgettable."
John was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Olivia Carabajal Arenas.
He is survived by his father, Domingo C. Arenas of Kenedy, TX; his sister, Rossana Barrios and husband, Joe (nephew, Nico); brother, George Arenas and wife, Rosy (nephew, Andres and niece, Gaby); and sister, Gina Esteves and husband, Carlos (nephew, Christopher and niece, Cati).
The Arenas Family will honor John with a Rosary and Celebration of Life Service to at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 24, 2014 at Cook Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 25, 2014 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 4800 Convict Hill Road, Austin, Texas 78749. A reception will follow service in the Johnson Hall of St. Catherine's.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association.
Born to Domingo C. and Olivia Arenas on June 24, 1959 in Goliad, Texas, John was the second born child and first son to Domingo and Olivia. A loving son, devoted brother and a true friend to all, John was a man with a magnanimous spirit, bigger than life. His sisters and brother describe him as amazingly talented, hysterically hilarious and probably the BEST friend you would ever have.
John Bear had a passion and talent for cooking that started at an early age. He enjoyed cooking all kinds of great food, but his biggest joy was to barbecue. When he barbecued, it was always enough to serve an army. Devoted to all the many sports he loved, John was an immensely passionate fan of the Dallas Cowboys, UT Longhorns and above all, his beloved Texas Rangers! John was a regular attendee to the Ranger games and was one of the first to arrive for the annual Opening Day celebration, hosting large tailgates and, of course, preparing a huge barbecue for his friends. John loved music and dance, all kinds of music, but country western was where he lived, and oh my, how he could tear up the dance floor ''' all the girls waiting in line to dance with John.
In the Kenedy High School band, he played the saxophone and was also in the school's Stage Band, where he demonstrated a phenomenal talent for playing the drums. A 1977 graduate of Kenedy High, he was recognized as "Most Talented" by his classmates. Graduating from Texas State University in 1985, with a degree in Computer Information Systems, John was the first member of his family to receive a college degree. He would begin his life-long career in Information Technology, which would lead him to his work and home in Murphy, Texas.
John, who resided in Murphy, Texas, was employed for the past 17 years with AT&T and was a Senior Technical Director. As an employee of AT&T, John participated in many of the company's philanthropic initiatives and was instrumental in leading the annual United Way Golf Tournament, a benefit event for which he took great pride.
For a man who truly was bigger than life, a loving family member has best captured his essence with the following tribute:
"Seeing John meant laughter was about to shake the room. He told jokes faster than a machine gun, in English and Spanish with perfect accents that would make me double over in laughter, literally.
And out of nowhere there were his gritos, which would make eardrums vibrate. (gritos are celebratory yells associated with Tejano music) John loved music. He could sing Johnny Cash songs like no one I've ever known. Right now, I can still hear, "the train a comin". The room would stop to listen and smile. John's gift to the world was to make people smile.
John had a movie star's charm and likeability. He was quick to say hello and make a joke about you in the same breath. When John made fun of you, it meant he really liked you. John deserves a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
John captivated our hearts and laughter and held them hostage.
John is still making me laugh and cry.
John Arenas is Unforgettable."
John was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Olivia Carabajal Arenas.
He is survived by his father, Domingo C. Arenas of Kenedy, TX; his sister, Rossana Barrios and husband, Joe (nephew, Nico); brother, George Arenas and wife, Rosy (nephew, Andres and niece, Gaby); and sister, Gina Esteves and husband, Carlos (nephew, Christopher and niece, Cati).
The Arenas Family will honor John with a Rosary and Celebration of Life Service to at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 24, 2014 at Cook Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 25, 2014 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 4800 Convict Hill Road, Austin, Texas 78749. A reception will follow service in the Johnson Hall of St. Catherine's.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association.
John Crisosten Arenas, affectionately known as "John Bear", was called Home suddenly by our Lord on Saturday, July 19, 2014.
Born to Domingo C. and Olivia Arenas on June 24, 1959 in Goliad, Texas, John was the second born child and first son to Domingo and Olivia. A loving son, devoted brother and a true friend to all, John was a man with a magnanimous spirit, bigger than life. His sisters and brother describe him as amazingly talented, hysterically hilarious and probably the BEST friend you would ever have.
John Bear had a passion and talent for cooking that started at an early age. He enjoyed cooking all kinds of great food, but his biggest joy was to barbecue. When he barbecued, it was always enough to serve an army. Devoted to all the many sports he loved, John was an immensely passionate fan of the Dallas Cowboys, UT Longhorns and above all, his beloved Texas Rangers! John was a regular attendee to the Ranger games and was one of the first to arrive for the annual Opening Day celebration, hosting large tailgates and, of course, preparing a huge barbecue for his friends. John loved music and dance, all kinds of music, but country western was where he lived, and oh my, how he could tear up the dance floor ''' all the girls waiting in line to dance with John.
In the Kenedy High School band, he played the saxophone and was also in the school's Stage Band, where he demonstrated a phenomenal talent for playing the drums. A 1977 graduate of Kenedy High, he was recognized as "Most Talented" by his classmates. Graduating from Texas State University in 1985, with a degree in Computer Information Systems, John was the first member of his family to receive a college degree. He would begin his life-long career in Information Technology, which would lead him to his work and home in Murphy, Texas.
John, who resided in Murphy, Texas, was employed for the past 17 years with AT&T and was a Senior Technical Director. As an employee of AT&T, John participated in many of the company's philanthropic initiatives and was instrumental in leading the annual United Way Golf Tournament, a benefit event for which he took great pride.
For a man who truly was bigger than life, a loving family member has best captured his essence with the following tribute:
"Seeing John meant laughter was about to shake the room. He told jokes faster than a machine gun, in English and Spanish with perfect accents that would make me double over in laughter, literally.
And out of nowhere there were his gritos, which would make eardrums vibrate. (gritos are celebratory yells associated with Tejano music) John loved music. He could sing Johnny Cash songs like no one I've ever known. Right now, I can still hear, "the train a comin". The room would stop to listen and smile. John's gift to the world was to make people smile.
John had a movie star's charm and likeability. He was quick to say hello and make a joke about you in the same breath. When John made fun of you, it meant he really liked you. John deserves a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
John captivated our hearts and laughter and held them hostage.
John is still making me laugh and cry.
John Arenas is Unforgettable."
John was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Olivia Carabajal Arenas.
He is survived by his father, Domingo C. Arenas of Kenedy, TX; his sister, Rossana Barrios and husband, Joe (nephew, Nico); brother, George Arenas and wife, Rosy (nephew, Andres and niece, Gaby); and sister, Gina Esteves and husband, Carlos (nephew, Christopher and niece, Cati).
The Arenas Family will honor John with a Rosary and Celebration of Life Service to at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 24, 2014 at Cook Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 25, 2014 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 4800 Convict Hill Road, Austin, Texas 78749. A reception will follow service in the Johnson Hall of St. Catherine's.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association.
Born to Domingo C. and Olivia Arenas on June 24, 1959 in Goliad, Texas, John was the second born child and first son to Domingo and Olivia. A loving son, devoted brother and a true friend to all, John was a man with a magnanimous spirit, bigger than life. His sisters and brother describe him as amazingly talented, hysterically hilarious and probably the BEST friend you would ever have.
John Bear had a passion and talent for cooking that started at an early age. He enjoyed cooking all kinds of great food, but his biggest joy was to barbecue. When he barbecued, it was always enough to serve an army. Devoted to all the many sports he loved, John was an immensely passionate fan of the Dallas Cowboys, UT Longhorns and above all, his beloved Texas Rangers! John was a regular attendee to the Ranger games and was one of the first to arrive for the annual Opening Day celebration, hosting large tailgates and, of course, preparing a huge barbecue for his friends. John loved music and dance, all kinds of music, but country western was where he lived, and oh my, how he could tear up the dance floor ''' all the girls waiting in line to dance with John.
In the Kenedy High School band, he played the saxophone and was also in the school's Stage Band, where he demonstrated a phenomenal talent for playing the drums. A 1977 graduate of Kenedy High, he was recognized as "Most Talented" by his classmates. Graduating from Texas State University in 1985, with a degree in Computer Information Systems, John was the first member of his family to receive a college degree. He would begin his life-long career in Information Technology, which would lead him to his work and home in Murphy, Texas.
John, who resided in Murphy, Texas, was employed for the past 17 years with AT&T and was a Senior Technical Director. As an employee of AT&T, John participated in many of the company's philanthropic initiatives and was instrumental in leading the annual United Way Golf Tournament, a benefit event for which he took great pride.
For a man who truly was bigger than life, a loving family member has best captured his essence with the following tribute:
"Seeing John meant laughter was about to shake the room. He told jokes faster than a machine gun, in English and Spanish with perfect accents that would make me double over in laughter, literally.
And out of nowhere there were his gritos, which would make eardrums vibrate. (gritos are celebratory yells associated with Tejano music) John loved music. He could sing Johnny Cash songs like no one I've ever known. Right now, I can still hear, "the train a comin". The room would stop to listen and smile. John's gift to the world was to make people smile.
John had a movie star's charm and likeability. He was quick to say hello and make a joke about you in the same breath. When John made fun of you, it meant he really liked you. John deserves a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
John captivated our hearts and laughter and held them hostage.
John is still making me laugh and cry.
John Arenas is Unforgettable."
John was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Olivia Carabajal Arenas.
He is survived by his father, Domingo C. Arenas of Kenedy, TX; his sister, Rossana Barrios and husband, Joe (nephew, Nico); brother, George Arenas and wife, Rosy (nephew, Andres and niece, Gaby); and sister, Gina Esteves and husband, Carlos (nephew, Christopher and niece, Cati).
The Arenas Family will honor John with a Rosary and Celebration of Life Service to at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 24, 2014 at Cook Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 25, 2014 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 4800 Convict Hill Road, Austin, Texas 78749. A reception will follow service in the Johnson Hall of St. Catherine's.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association.
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John Crisosten Arenas
June 24, 1959 Jul 19, 2014
Lived, Loved, Laughed.
All Is Well. LGR!!!
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