Mr. Rivers was born September 19, 1918 in Noble, LA. In 1945 Arvin and his family moved to Westlake, LA and he was employed by Olin Corporation for 37 years as Traffic Manager.
During World War ll, he served in the Army Air Corp. as a Flight Engineer on a B-29 Super Fortress in the Pacific Theater. He flew 28 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross along with a number of other metals.
He was a member of First Baptist Church for almost 70 years. During those years he was a Sunday School Teacher and Sunday School Director, a Deacon and Chairman of the Deacons, and a choir member for over 60 years. He coached a church youth basketball team and played on the adult softball and basketball teams. He was part of mission teams to Indonesia and the Philippines.
As a community leader he was a member and Director of the Traffic Club, Charter President of Westlake Rotary Club, President of West Calcasieu Parish Association of Commerce and a member of the Calcasieu Ward 4 Fire Board. He especially enjoyed being President of Westlake Band Booster Club.
He was an outstanding amateur golfer having made a hole-in-one during his first tournament. He also played softball, enjoyed fishing, deer hunting and snow skiing for the first time at the age of 63. He was an avid LSU football fan since 1932. He loved the Tigers!!!
He and his wife, LaVerne, traveled to China, Japan, England and Mexico. They also enjoyed many trips within the U.S.
The family would like to express their gratitude toward the caregivers of Stonebridge Place.
He is survived by his son, Arvin Wayne Rivers of Seabrook, TX; daughters, Zelma Hall and husband Bob of Arlington, TX; Kay Sweeney and husband Mikel of Moss Bluff; seven grandchildren, Rachel Kos, Lauren Hall, Allen Hall, Tammy Stephens, Kim Burcham, Michael Rivers and Betsy Stoupy and ten great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 71 years, LaVerne Rivers, parents, Lawrence Harrison Rivers and Mattie Zelma Chance Rivers, four brothers and two sisters.
His funeral will be 1:00pm, Friday, October 10, 2014 at First Baptist Church of Westlake. The Rev. Wayne McEntire will officiate. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Westlake on Thursday, October 9, 2014 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm and resume Friday from noon until time of service. Burial will be in Highland Memory Gardens. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com
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