Obituaries

Roy F. Jennings Roy F. Jennings, a 56-year resident and longtime high school teacher in Santa Paula, died suddenly at home on December 2, 2008 at the age of 83.He was born on June 15, 1925 in Sitka, Alaska, the youngest of four children to D. Russell and Bertha H. Jennings, who were missionaries at Sheldon Jackson School. The family moved to southern California in 1928, and Roy subsequently attended public schools in the Huntington Park area.He graduated from Huntington Park High School in 1943 and, after being drafted that fall by the U.S. Army, proudly served as volunteer truck driver with the Red Ball Express in France, and later as a combat scout with the 379th Infantry Regiment, 95th Division during World War II in Europe. His combat experiences (which were documented on an episode aired on the History Channel three years ago) resulted in his earning the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. He was subsequently evacuated out of combat after acquiring a case of trench foot, and sent to hospitals in France, England and the United States before being discharged on disability on July 24, 1945.Upon Roy’s return home to Walnut Park, California in 1945, he attended Los Angeles City College and Whittier College on the GI Bill and subsequently received his BA degree from the latter institution in 1950. During that time, he participated in local Methodist Church and YMCA activities, where he dated Helen Virginia Sowers, a girl from Huntington Park whose house was on his paper route before the war.Roy and Helen were married on August 19, 1950, and after Roy went to California State University, Los Angeles, to earn his secondary credential, they worked as teachers in the Los Angeles school system for a year. In the summer of 1952, Roy was offered a coaching and teaching position at Santa Paula Union High School. Thus in the fall of 1952, Roy, Helen and their new baby moved to Santa Paula.Roy subsequently taught U.S. History, Driver’s Education Instruction, and Social Studies to generations of Santa Paulans from 1952 to 1986, as well as turning out “El Solano,” the high school yearbook, and coaching Varsity Basketball and JV Baseball for a number of years. His classes were normally taught by him telling stories, often based on personal experience rather than textbooks or newsreels. He also brought actual historical objects (such as Roman coins) to class for students to handle and study. He was always grateful in his retirement years to the former students who would stop him on the street or at the store and say “You were the best teacher” they ever had.Roy was an accomplished painter, woodworker and outdoorsman, as well as teacher. His paintings, furniture and carvings adorned the Jennings home for 53 years. His successful hunting and fishing expeditions provided many wonderful meals.His loving wife preceded him in death in 2006. He is survived by three children, Sue Ellen Austin, Anne Lorene Moore and Mark Russell Jennings, as well as six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. We wish our best to all who have known Roy and his family here in Santa Paula.Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura.David Michael ArguellesDavid Michael Arguelles, “Big Dave,” age 58, of Santa Paula, passed away with family and friends by his side on December 11, 2008 to join our Lord, Jesus Christ.David was born on April 13, 1950 in San Fernando Valley, and moved to Santa Paula his freshman year. He attended Santa Paula High School, graduated, and became a lifelong resident.He attended Ventura College, and then joined the Santa Paula police force for four years. He then returned to his old trade of masonry and worked for the family business, Arguelles and Sons Masonry, retired, and later devoted his life to God.“Big Dave” will always be remembered for his smile and laughing eyes, jovial sense of humor, and his ever-giving heart. He would never turn away anyone in need, and would always be there to give advice. His doors were open to everyone. To many, there are no words to describe his love, joy, kindness, and the many hearts he touched and inspired.He enjoyed camping with family at Yosemite while sipping mai tais by the pool, rafting, playing cards, sitting around the campfire telling stories, and motorcycle riding. “Toto” (a unique name given to him by his grandchildren) enjoyed cooking and baking with his son, Nathan and grandchildren. He loved listening to oldies especially Stevie Nicks. He had a very big sense of humor and was always up for a good joke!He is survived by his best friend, soul mate and wife, Debbi Arguelles; sons David Jr. (Macie), Jamie, Julian and Nathan Arguelles; daughters Melissa (Ramiro) Delgadillo and Kristen (Danny) Wreesman; brother Ken (Pat) Arguelles; sister Angela Ast; grandchildren Ryan, Davie, Jeremy, Josh, Deziree, BryAnn, Mercedes, Heather, Jessica, Ashley, and Carlina (Daniel) Flores; great-granddaughter Amaya; godchildren Albert Sevilla, JoJo Contreras, and Alex Galvan, all of Santa Paula; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his dog Taz.David is now reunited in heaven with his parents Ruth and Mike Arguelles, and son Justin Arguelles. He will remain in our hearts forever… we love you Toto!We little knew that morning thatGod was going to call your name.In life we loved you dearlyIn death we do the same.It broke our hearts to lose youYou did not go alone,For part of us went with youThe day God called you home.You left us peaceful memoriesYour love is still our guide,