Arlen “Dewel” Hillis, 88, of Fisk, Missouri, died Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, at his residence in Fisk.
Mr. Hillis was born Oct. 17, 1932, in Cash, Arkansas, son of the late Vade and Ella Hillis. On Jan. 23, 1953, he enlisted in the US Army at St. Louis, Missouri. Dewel served during the Korean Conflict, and was honorably discharged (CPL) on Dec. 20, 1954, in Denver, Colorado. He traveled with Bud Builders and Campers on a Mission, building churches across the United States. He enjoyed many outdoor activities including rabbit hunting, fishing and camping. He also loved spending time with his family and friends, and loved good Gospel music.
On Oct. 8, 1955, he married Alice Bernice Gunnels in Hernando, Mississippi. She survives.
Also surviving is one daughter: Pamela (James) Dunivan, of Fairdealing; one son: Kevin (Debbie) Hillis of Broseley; two sisters: Louise Daily of Arkansas and Shirley Dabbs of Fisk; two brothers: Frank and Larry Hillis, both of Poplar Bluff; seven grandchildren: Marty (Karen) Reese, Heather (Keith) Willcut, Amy (Eddie Vandergrift) Ward, Robert Ward, Dustin Hillis, KayCee (Geren) Klusmeier, and Brandon (Katie Baxter) Hillis; nine great-grandchildren: Ashtyn Reese, Keaton and Kanaan Willcut, Lexi Vandergrift, Stormy Ward, Harley Jones, and Emersyn, Geren and Teagan Klusmeier. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two sisters: Earlene Smalley and Joan Whitwell; one brother: David Hillis, and one daughter: Karen Hillis.
Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, at White-Sanders Funeral Home in Fisk. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Kenneth Lambert officiating.
Condolences: www.whitesandersfuneralhome.com