Arvel Jane Grissom, 98, entered Heaven's gates on Friday, December 9, 2016. He was born January 6, 1918, to Elmer and Nellie Dixon Grissom in Etna, Arkansas. Arvel graduated from Ratcliff High School in 1936, then traveled to Kansas City to further his education. He proceeded into the aircraft industry, building planes for Douglas Aircraft in Baltimore, Maryland, and Oklahoma City. Arvel married Pauline Spellins on December 23, 1943, and they returned to Scranton in the 1950's, purchasing a home and farm. They established Grissom Plumbing and Electrical, which he operated until the late 1980's. Arvel "retired" at this time and went to work for the City of Scranton as Water Superintendent, which he did until the age of 88.

Arvel fully restored a wooden wheel wagon, which he loved to pull with his team of mule in parades and give rides in. He had numerous talents, including an uncanny ability with numbers and figures. A multitude of wells were "witched" with a forked stick by Arvel Grissom during his lifetime. Coming from a bygone era, Arvel had a host of home remedies, including "cuckleburr tea," which he swore would cure any cold. He made many a step in his 98 years, 337 days of life. One of his favorite activities was to hand a quarter to every child he came in contact with.

Arvel enjoyed his mules and beef cattle, planting a huge truck patch every year using his mules as horsepower. He loved to share the bounty with others and was known throughout the area for his generosity to those in need.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Pauline, his parents, his daughter Janie Pauline Grissom Fultz, and his son-in-law, David Fultz. In addition, his death was preceded by four brothers: Calvin, A.B. "Dick," Ezra Monroe, and Fred Iven and four sisters: Ellen Eberhart, Rosa Bernard, Wanda Nelson, and Wilda Simcox.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 14th, at Dublin Free Will Baptist Church, with the Rev.Jeff Henderson officiating. Burial will be at Elizabeth Hall Cemetery in New Blaine, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home in Paris.

Arvel is survived by his son, Paul (Janet) Grissom of Scranton, sister, Ora Lee (Carl) Blattler of Oklahoma City, grandson Wally (Dena) Street of Danville, and granddaughters Taressa (Barry) Mathis of Texas, Sondra (Steve) Benge of New Blaine, and Erin Stovall of Scranton. Other survivors include eight great grandchildren, eight great great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, family members, and a host of friends.

Pallbearers will be Paul Grissom, Wally Street, Josh Street, Nathan McDonald, Shayna McDonald, and David Young.

Family will visit with friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday night at the funeral home.

To view a video tribute, please visit http://videos.lifetributes.com/759868

To pay an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.