Thomas Arena
December 21, 1930 — November 19, 2017
ARENA Thomas Arena, 86, Jacksonville, stepped into heaven on Sunday, November 19, 2017.
Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force as a 21-year-old in early 1952 hoping he'd be assigned to a warm and glamorous location. He was stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, where he came to know that Jesus Christ is real at a Jess Hendley revival and where he was nurtured in the faith by a strong Christian family. Proving His sense of humor and greater plan than ours, God then had Tom stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. Tom and a fellow airman planted a church in nearby Nenana. That church eventually grew into two churches and a radio ministry that today reaches deep into the Alaskan bush country. Tom's eldest son and wife, Mike and Valerie Arena, now work in the radio ministry.
Tom and Mary Lou Kiser were married in January of 1959. It is a well-told story of how he first asked her to return to Alaska missions before popping the actual question of marriage. He obtained a Ph.D. in education from Ohio University, but instead of Alaska, God opened a door far south in Jacksonville, Florida, where they lived and raised their family guided by their deep faith.
Tom was a college professor, Realtor/Broker and a public school teacher from the early 60s until retiring in 2004. After Tom retired, God finally granted his desire for Alaska missions, and he and Mary Lou made several long summer trips to Alaska working in the Voice for Christ Ministries radio ministry.
Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, and his children, Mike Arena (Valerie), Alan Arena (Debbie) and Janet Sneden (Hal). He leaves behind nine grandchildren � Jill, Joey, Jonathan, Janni, Jarrett, Anthony, Jacquelyn, Michael and Jennifer, and six great-grandchildren � Owen, Autumn, Connor, Wyatt, Adelyn and Harper. He also is survived by two sisters � Mrs. Jean Wagner (Jim) and Mrs. Terri Gross, as well as a large extended family.
He was devoted to his wife and family, and is greatly missed.
Please come and share a memorial service on Saturday, December 2, 2017, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Voice For Christ Ministries, Nenana, Alaska.
Arrangements under the care of Naugle Funeral Home and Cremation Services 1203 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, Florida 904-396-1611 www.nauglefuneral.com
Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force as a 21-year-old in early 1952 hoping he'd be assigned to a warm and glamorous location. He was stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, where he came to know that Jesus Christ is real at a Jess Hendley revival and where he was nurtured in the faith by a strong Christian family. Proving His sense of humor and greater plan than ours, God then had Tom stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. Tom and a fellow airman planted a church in nearby Nenana. That church eventually grew into two churches and a radio ministry that today reaches deep into the Alaskan bush country. Tom's eldest son and wife, Mike and Valerie Arena, now work in the radio ministry.
Tom and Mary Lou Kiser were married in January of 1959. It is a well-told story of how he first asked her to return to Alaska missions before popping the actual question of marriage. He obtained a Ph.D. in education from Ohio University, but instead of Alaska, God opened a door far south in Jacksonville, Florida, where they lived and raised their family guided by their deep faith.
Tom was a college professor, Realtor/Broker and a public school teacher from the early 60s until retiring in 2004. After Tom retired, God finally granted his desire for Alaska missions, and he and Mary Lou made several long summer trips to Alaska working in the Voice for Christ Ministries radio ministry.
Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, and his children, Mike Arena (Valerie), Alan Arena (Debbie) and Janet Sneden (Hal). He leaves behind nine grandchildren � Jill, Joey, Jonathan, Janni, Jarrett, Anthony, Jacquelyn, Michael and Jennifer, and six great-grandchildren � Owen, Autumn, Connor, Wyatt, Adelyn and Harper. He also is survived by two sisters � Mrs. Jean Wagner (Jim) and Mrs. Terri Gross, as well as a large extended family.
He was devoted to his wife and family, and is greatly missed.
Please come and share a memorial service on Saturday, December 2, 2017, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Voice For Christ Ministries, Nenana, Alaska.
Arrangements under the care of Naugle Funeral Home and Cremation Services 1203 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, Florida 904-396-1611 www.nauglefuneral.com
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