Arvell Ray Bench

Arvell Ray Bench

Alma- Funeral Services for Arvell Ray Bench, 63, of Alma, is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2008 at the Alma Baptist Church with Pastor Rocky Keck officiating. Interment will follow at the New Velma Cemetery under the direction of Alexander Funeral Home in Ratliff City.

Arvell was born February 5, 1945 at Wilburton, OK to the late Mr. Charley Ray and Mrs. Margie Jewel (Pass) Bench. He passed away Wed. November 18, 2008 at his residence.

Arvell was raised at Stanley, OK attending Hollister Schools. He began working in the oilfield at the age of 19 and continued working in the patch all of his working years. He was married to the former Beatrice Tomlinson from 1963 to 1979 and from this union came three daughters and three sons. He later married the former Terry (Bohannan) Carter on February 15, 1991.

Arvell has been a resident of the Velma area since 1965. Some of his hobbies included coon hunting, mowing his yard, fishing and playing pool.

Preceding him in death is his Parents, and 2 brothers, Joe Ray Bench and Jimmy Dale Bench.

Survivors include his wife Terry (Carter) Bench of the home, Daughters, Angela Pruitt and husband Danny of Sallisaw, Melissa Lauderdale of Countyline, Terri Wright and husband Stacey of Countyline, and Krista Paramore and husband Dustin of Velma. Sons, Donnie Arvell Bench and wife Lynn of Shreveport, LA, Monte Ray Bench and wife Samantha of Velma, and Timothy Bench and wife D’oun of Loco. Stepdaughter, Jessica Carter of Velma. The Mother of their children, Beatrice Bench of Velma. Sisters, Debra Bingham of Velma and Norma Jewel Loring and husband Perry also of Velma. 23 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Donnie Bench, Monte Bench, Timothy Bench, Troy Derik Downey, Aaron White, Brandon White, Cody Bench and Stacey Wright.

Honorary bearers will be Stephen Ponder, Jerry Gordon, Billy Dickerson, Jerry Don Bench, O’Dell Bench, Fred Bench, David Ponder, and all of his many friends and close family members.

Family visitation will be Thursday from 6pm to 8 pm at the funeral home in Ratliff City.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.alexanderfuneralhome.org