His body will lie in state, Friday, June 12, 2020 from 1:00 pm–8:00 pm at the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, Missouri. Family will be present for visitation from 6:00-7:00 pm.
A graveside service will be held at the Clinton Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, Missouri on Saturday, June 13th at 11:00 am. Family and friends are welcome to bring lawn chairs and parasols for comfort at the service. The service will also be transmitted via radio frequency for those wishing to remain in their vehicles at the graveside.
A graveside service will be held at the Clinton Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, Missouri on Saturday, June 13th at 11:00 am. Family and friends are welcome to bring lawn chairs and parasols for comfort at the service. The service will also be transmitted via radio frequency for those wishing to remain in their vehicles at the graveside.
Arvel was born in Huntingdale, Missouri on February 27th, 1925. He served in the army during WWII, stateside, as two other brothers were deployed overseas. He resided in Henry County his entire life, living in Clinton after his first marriage to Rosella Kimball in 1957. In the early years of his marriage to Rosella, he worked at the family owned Kimball Locker Plant just off the northwest corner of the Clinton Square. He then worked briefly at the local Western Auto Store and spent the majority of his career serving the Clinton Public School System as Head Custodian of the school system.
Rosella Kimball West preceded him in death in 1984. Arvel then married Kathryn Shaffer Himes, of Clinton, in 1987. They spent 27 happy years gardening, traveling, visiting, entertaining friends and relatives. He received many blue ribbons at the Henry County Fair and was notably known for his exemplary tomato crops. His tomatoes were prized possessions to many recipients. Arvel loved to fish and hunt and was awarded national pelt prizes for furs he delivered to Kansas City, MO in 1945 and 1947. He was also the first-place winner at the local bait shop for his crappie catch in 1992. Many years, he could be found trout fishing with friends in the cold waters of Lake Taneycomo in Branson, MO.
Arvel was a member of the Clinton United Methodist Church, serving in many capacities over his 60 + years as a member. His love and devotion to the Lord sculpted his life and attitude. This good and faithful servant will be welcomed by the Saints who have gone before him and deeply missed by those left behind.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Clara Seaton West, along with his siblings, Ethmer West, Evelyn West Ramey Einspahr, Alva West, Marvie West, Eugene West, and Marie West Wilson; both wives, Rosella and Kathryn.
He is survived by his daughter, Adele West Groote and husband, Marvin; a step-son, Don Himes and wife, Kathy, and step-daughter, Barbara Himes DeBusk and husband, Richard; grandchildren - Steven Himes (Francie), Mike Himes (Karen), Janna DeBusk Harmon (Mathew), Alicia Debusk Blake (Joshua), Anthony Groote (Tina), and Timothy Groote (Diana); great-grandchildren - Imogen, Dakota, Emilia, Lilah Kate, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Ashley, Kennedi (Jonathan), Joale, Maysan, Daleton, Austyn, and Raygan; and great-great children - Nick and Jameson along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home at 314 W. Jefferson St.; Clinton, MO 64735. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the Clinton United Methodist Church (601 S. 4th St.; Clinton, MO 64735) or the Taneyhills Community Library in Branson, MO (200 S. 4th St.; Branson, MO 65616). Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton.
