John Lyle Arnold, known his entire life as "Bud," passed away at the age of 97 in Bakersfield, CA on July 16, 2015. Bud was born March 20, 1918 in Wilton, North Dakota to Adelsworth James and Cora Ellen Arnold (Boyce). He was a welcome addition to the family as the youngest and only boy following the birth of six sisters! After completing 8th grade, he joined his dad working at the Armor Creamery, which served as his foundation for a solid work ethic that he maintained throughout his life. Bud was a great support to his family after his dad was involved in a debilitating car accident. At 16 he went to work as a deliveryman for Western Union and then later worked as an auto body mechanic. In 1941, he married Arlette Mariner. Two years later, their identical twin boys, Jack, and John, arrived followed by identical twin daughters, Mayvis, and Marlys, in 1946. In 1949, they left ND and joined family in Shafter, CA, where Bud co-owned an auto body shop. He later became a skilled carpenter and eventually a Realtor for "Red Carpet Realty." Bud was a champion bowler and thoroughly enjoyed square dancing in his younger years. He traveled the United States in his motorhome visiting friends and family, taking every opportunity to stop along the way to fish. Children and animals alike loved him as he did them. His favorite pastimes included solving puzzle games, playing dominos and cards. Bud was an extremely patient, kind, loving, loyal man and friend to all. His remarkable health kept doctors in awe. Bud never had to wear glasses the need for glasses or take medication, and renewed his driver's license at 97. Arlette suffered a heart attack in 1976 leaving Bud a widow at the age of 58. He later married Illene Watson and was again widowed in 1987. Bud then married Gwen Gottfried in 1991, who preceded him in death by only two months. Bud is also preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Norma, Erma, Beatrice, Leone and Constance; sons: Jackie and Johnie, daughter Marlys and stepdaughter Donna Sue Watson. He is survived by his older sister Bernice, daughter Mayvis Hackney (Gary), stepchildren: Dr. Gary Gottfried (Tam), Janie Gottfried, Lori Matthews, Wayne Watson (Jean), Jim Watson (Kathy) and Cheryl Starbuck (Ernie), Grandchildren: Johnie Dean Arnold, Terri Gemmell, Dr. Tammie Arnold (Rebecca), Dr. Dale Arnold (Sandy), Angela Sullivan (Chuck), Michelle Hill (Scott), Curtis Maynard (Celina), Janie Hicks (Dennis), Cheryl Nilsson (Micah), 21 great grandchildren. A viewing will be held Wednesday, 4-8pm at Peters Funeral Home, 844 E. Lerdo Hwy., in Shafter, CA, and a service, Thursday, July 23rd at 10:00am at the same location.