Arvid Jonas Naslund

Arvid Jonas Naslund, of Mexia, passed away Oct. 3, 2019, in Waco at the age of 90. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Dilbeck Cemetery near Weatherford.

Arvid was born Nov. 25, 1928, in Oshkosh, Wisc., to Nels and Florence Montgomery Naslund. After completing college and earning his teaching certificate, he began a teaching career that spanned more than 40 years. He taught math in several different schools throughout Texas, eventually retiring from TSTC in Waco. He liked central Texas so he and his wife, Sylvia, have made Fort Parker their home for the past 25 years.

While in high school, Arvid was very active in extra circular activities such as football and boxing while, also, maintaining grades that earned him the honor of being valedictorian of his class.

Arvid was always very optimistic, no matter what challenge arose; he remained confident that things would work out. After his daughter was diagnosed with a health issue, he found a way to help her face it and gain confidence. He bought her a horse that she fell in love with, and after countless hours of working with him, she became a horse trainer.

Arvid was very generous, always willing to stop and help anyone, pick up hitchhikers or just help wherever there was a need. His family said he was like a cat with nine lives, very lucky. No matter how many times he lost his wallet, it always came back and with the money still in it. He had an accident that left him with one arm, which made him more determined to handle things as he had done in the past. Arvid even swam out to rescue some people stranded on a boat in the Springfield Lake, at Fort Parker, and was able to pull them to shore.

Arvid enjoyed life and made the most of each day. He loved to travel and declared, just like his favorite song, he was “King of the Road.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nels and Florence Naslund; and brother, Robert Naslund.

Arvid is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia Naslund of Mexia; daughters, Deborah Derber of Crivitz, Wisc., and Constance “Connie” Williams of Center City, Minn.; step-children, Patty Newcomb of Fort Worth and Chuck Blackwell of Mexia; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and brother, Richard Naslund of Oshkosh, Wisc.

Please visit www.blairstubbs.com to leave the family a message of condolence or sign the guest book.