TISD Foundation Creates Memorial Fund for Humberto Arriola

TYLER — The Tyler ISD Foundation has created a memorial fund for Humberto Arriola, a Spanish bilingual teacher at Douglas Elementary School. Arriola died March 8 at age 57 of a massive heart attack. Douglas principal Christina Roach says he’d worked for TISD since 2004. Roach remembers Arriola as “an amazing teacher that loved his students, always had a smile on his face, and (was) willing to do anything and everything for his students and Douglas Elementary.” Roach continues, “He loved and lived life. He will certainly be missed by all those who knew him and loved him.” Stewart Family Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Donations to the fund may be sent by mail to Tyler ISD Foundation, Inc., 315 North Broadway, Suite 401, Tyler, Texas 75702-5757. According to the Foundation’s Larry Goddard, “Arriola asked that no flowers be sent but a memorial fund be established to be used for the area of greatest need as determined by principal Christy Roach.”

“We honor the family wishes for this man who dedicated his life to the education of young people,” said Goddard, “We have had communication with daughter Andrea who expresses gratitude that her father will be remember with an innovative activity for the students rather than flowers in his honor. He wants a memorial of life and learning and smiles from young students. That is a fitting tribute to any educator.”

According to a news release from the Foundation, “Donation information from credit cards may be sent to [email protected] or calling (903) 266-9805 or 9806. The Foundation staff shreds all credit card information as soon as the contribution goes through the credit card process. A nice card will be sent to the family with no dollar amount.