William (Bill) Walter Arnett

In loving memory of William (Bill) Walter Arnett, 86, who passed away peacefully after a short illness on February 26, 2024.  Born to Melba Gardner Arnett and Walter Finchum Arnett in Mesa, Arizona on June 18, 1937, Bill spent most of his life in Mesa, except for a few years during World War II when he lived in Yuma.

Bill spent his childhood exploring the fields and byways of Mesa on horseback, delivering newspapers, playing with fireworks, caring for his family’s livestock, running track in high school, water skiing, and working in his father’s automotive garage.  He graduated from Mesa High school in 1955 and was awarded a Bachelor of Business Administration from Brigham Young University in 1961.  He served the Lord as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to the Northern States Mission (Chicago) from 1957 to 1959.

Bill’s primary vocational goal in life was to be a successful entrepreneur.  As such, he owned and managed many successful businesses, including Yellow and Checker Taxicab of Phoenix and Tucson; Arnett Transportation Services; La Hacienda Travel Resort Park; and many land development projects in the East Valley.  Bill also served on the Board of Directors of the Salt River Project for 41 years and was the president of the Mesa Baseline Rotary Club in 1977.

He was a steadfast member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings, including Deacon’s Quorum Advisor, Explorer Scout Advisor, Senior Member of the Stake 70’s Quorum, Stake High Councilor, and Stake Mission President.  He served twice as an LDS bishop: first, to the 46^th Ward of the Mesa East Stake; and second, to the 6^th Ward of the Tempe Arizona University Stake.

Bill’s wife, Patricia Scott Clyde Arnett, preceded him in death in 2004.  He nurtured a deep love for Patricia and worked side-by-side with her as a devoted husband, loving parent, church servant, and community member.   Bill is survived by his elder sister Leslie Sezate of Mesa and his younger sister Sydney Arnett and her husband Rockne Arnett of Mesa; and his 7 children: Bill Arnett and his wife Cynthia, Robert Arnett and his wife Lanie, David Arnett and his wife Tiffany; Shauna Arnett Cole and her husband Scott; Diane Arnett Gardiner and her husband Monte; Karen Arnett Buehler and her husband Fidalis; and Stephen Arnett and his wife Brindy.  He also leaves behind 37 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at the LDS Church at 1911 N. 24^th Street, Mesa on Sunday, March 3 beginning at 3:30 pm, with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Following the funeral, Bill’s friends are invited to his home at 1459 N. Gaylord Circle, Mesa, 85213 to enjoy one last “Bill-Style” dinner in his honor.  Interment will take place at the City of Mesa Cemetery on Monday, March 4, at 9:00 am.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.