Arvin Allen, 70, passed away on December 8, 2023, at his home in Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

Arvin was born on March 31, 1953, in Rogers, Arkansas. He was raised in a family of 14 children, which made for a great training ground for future stories.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Mildred Allen, and siblings, Johnny Ray Allen, Kenneth Allen, Ronnie Allen, Ethel Denham, Ruby Easter, Sue Williams, and Evaun Mars.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patsy Allen; daughter, Cathleen Allen-Robinson; sons, Jimmy Allen and wife, Ashley, and Jason Sisemore; three grandchildren, Caleb, Madison and Shayne; siblings, Bucky Allen, Charlie Allen, Stanley Allen, Ann Gibbs, Eula Hill, and Mildred Gibbs; brother and best friend, Charlie Brasel; and a host of other family and friends.

His family was his passion, and he loved making memories by investing time in others. He was known for his ability to tell great stories and make others laugh.

He was a man who would get on the floor to play or jump in the car for a road trip. He had remarkable strength and determination, loved Jesus, was tender, funny, a great teacher, talented, hard worker, daredevil, devoted, loving, always cheering for the underdog, and loved riddles, Scrabble, and crossword puzzles. To have only an eighth-grade education, he was brilliant and a lifelong learner. He knew everything about mechanics, flowers, trees, history, and random facts. He loved his family, fishing, hunting, camping, walking in the woods, and making Christmas candy each year to share with others.

He got his first taste of mechanic work at 13 years old and chased that passion all his life. Many were blessed by his ability to solve everything mechanical, and he loved imparting that knowledge to others. After retiring as a mechanic, he worked for the Arkansas State Highway Department in Madison County, where he made many more friends and more memories. Later, he decided to serve the kids of Madison County by driving a school bus for the Huntsville Public Schools, where he strived to make sure the kids on his bus felt loved, safe, and provided for. He and Patsy loved teaching the little kids at church.

Because of his pioneering spirit, his legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren.

His wisdom and unconditional love for all will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date after the holidays.

A special thank you to Circle of Life Hospice and Sarah, Shane, Kaylin, and Todd, who provided terrific care at home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Manuelito Navajo Children’s Home, Inc. at P.O. Box 58, Gallup, New Mexico, 87305.

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – Winnie the Pooh

Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.