Dustin Duane Arnold, 51, of Talihina, Oklahoma, passed away on December 10, 2025, doing what he loved- playing a round of disc golf with his brother.
Dustin was born on April 18, 1974, in Irving, Texas, to Karen Bean (née Martindale) and William Charles Arnold Sr. He is survived by his beloved wife, Christie Arnold; his daughter, Shelby Arnold; his son, Jackson Arnold; his mother, Karen Bean; his brothers, Vincent (Scott) Arnold and William (Billy) Charles Arnold Jr.; and countless friends and family who were lucky enough to know him.
Dustin attended Killeen High School (Go, Roo Dawgs), graduating in 1992. Those formative years left a lasting impression on him, and he often spoke fondly of teachers who helped shape him- shoutout to Mr. Bowlin and Ms. Johns. One of his proudest memories was winning the 1991 Texas State Football Championship, a truly monumental achievement. He began his college career at Eastern New Mexico University on a football scholarship, later transferring to Texas Tech University as a walk-on while studying architecture. Midway through, his passion for computers and technology took hold, and he changed his course of study to Management Information Systems. Though he did not complete his degree, Dustin was a true autodidact, mastering complex subjects with curiosity, discipline, and intensity- approaching everything he loved with thoughtfulness and purpose.
Throughout a formidable career, Dustin was both student and teacher, learning from many and going on to mentor and inspire countless others. Many will remember hearing him shout from the office, “Worky!”- his triumphant declaration that a system test had succeeded. Much like the Saturday Night Live character “Nick Burns, Your Company’s Computer Guy,” Dustin approached tech support with humor and flair. His requests to “Mooove,” or asking for the chair so he could “drive,” were always followed by what many affectionately called “Dustin Magic.” If you worked with him, you heard it- and you smiled.
Dustin’s interests were unapologetically eclectic. When he discovered a new hobby, he went “full ass” or not at all. His passions included disc golf, 3D printing, music, sports ball, gaming, coding, gardening, fishing, and traveling. After moving to Oklahoma, he developed a deep love for tractoring, rednecking (aka engineering), chopping wood, building his own disc golf course, and general tomfoolery. He also picked up a few rocks and sticks- you know, man stuff.
Dustin was truly loved by all. If you met him, he made you laugh- he simply couldn’t help it. His big heart, infectious laugh, wonderfully awful dad jokes, and razor-sharp intellect combined to create a singular human being. Few people give with their whole heart; Dustin did.
While our family carries an unfillable hole, we find comfort in the memories of laughter, love, and joy we shared. We had so much fun together. We know he’s watching over us, and we know exactly what he’d say: “Go out and do cool shit. Make a Million Memories. Be happy.”
In classic Dustin fashion, he’d sign off with a grin and a sly “Deuces,” or “POGS- Peace Out, Girl Scout.”
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Dustin’s honor to the U.S. National Park Service or PBS (Public Broadcasting Service).
A celebration of Dustin’s life and legacy will be held from 2 PM to 4 PM, Saturday December 20, 2025, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Berkshire Chapel, 9073 Berkshire Dr, Frsico, TX, 75033.
