Arlon Eklund

Melville Arlon Eklund went to be with our Heavenly Father on May 18, 2014. Arlon was born Feb. 5, 1941 in Seguin, Texas, to Melville A. “Jim” Eklund and Vivian E. (Williams) Eklund.
After his high school graduation in Pleasanton, Texas, Arlon enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was trained and stationed at Camp Pendleton until his discharge. Following his discharge he worked

in the Houston, Texas, area for several years before moving to the Midland, Texas, area where he bought and began breeding and showing quarter horses.
In 1986, Arlon moved to Lockhart, Texas where he continued his quarter horse business. He was instrumental in establishing the Southwest Cutting Horse Association, which met monthly for many years at the Civic Center in San Marcos, Texas.
In 1992, Arlon and his wife moved to New Braunfels, Texas, where he continued raising and showing quarter horses until he established a construction and remodeling business in Canyon Lake, Texas, which was closed after several years due to his ill health.
In 2007, Arlon and his wife retired to Anchor Point, Alaska. They returned to the New Braunfels area in September 2013, and he lived there at the time of his final illness.
Arlon’s paternal family has a long history in Luling, Texas. Until his death in 1934, Arlon’s paternal grandfather, Carl Eklund, an immigrant from Sweden, owned and operated the Carl Eklund Gin for many years. Arlon’s paternal uncle, Carl “Collie” Eklund, was a local cattle rancher; his paternal aunt, Letha (Eklund) Glass worked in Dr. O’Bannion’s office for many years; his paternal cousin, Carl Glass, was a retired high school teacher and cattle rancher. Joanna Glass, Carl Glass’ widow – a retired school teacher herself — continues their ranching activities in the area.
Arion was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Matthew Arlon Eklund.
He is survived by Betty Lou (Vaughn) Eklund, his wife of nearly 28 years; sons and daughters-in-law Melville Arlon and Leesa Eklund, Roy Carl and Shelley Eklund, Thomas Grady and Vita Eklund, and step-daughter Laurie Jeannotte. Arlon’s survivors also include grandsons Rylee, Thomas Jr., and Matthew Eklund and Slayton Jeannotte; granddaughters Whitney, Krista, Sydnee, Shelbey and Kelsey Eklund; grandson-in-law and granddaughter, Bobby and Lynsie Necker; great-grandchildren Lauryn, Luke Arlon and Lilah; step-mother Mary Eklund; brother-in-law and sister, Steve and Betty Hodges and sister, Mellie Killian, plus five nieces, two nephews and four cousins.
His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Burial will be in the Luling Cemetery, Hwy 90, Luling, Texas. A graveside memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at 10 a.m., with Gordon Hightower officiating. Arrangements are under the care and guidance of O’Bannon Funeral Home in Luling.