Arvil D Ming
Sep 1, 1938 - May 27, 2017
Posted by:  Martha Reddout

http://www.whineryfs.com

Arvil D. Ming was born in Lubbock, Texas on September 1, 1938 to Eric Francis Ming and Novvie D. Hamilton. He passed away Sunday, May 28, 2017 in Gainesville, Florida. 

Arvil spent his childhood in Lubbock, Texas with his mother, father and older sister, Billy Francis. At the age of 12, both parents died and he went to live with his foster family, Mr. and Mrs. W.G. Elms and step-brother, Richard Elms, in Erick, Oklahoma. At Erik High School he lettered in track and football. He excelled not only in athletics, but also in music. He sang in school, church choirs, and at various music festivals. His singing is famed for beating out Roger Miller during a Junior High talent show. Arvil attended Oklahoma University on a track scholarship. He majored in Fisheries Biology and completed a Masters Degree in Fishery Science. 

He worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation as a fisheries biologist, residing in Columbia, Missouri, for many years. Mid-life he changed careers, working as a Kirby distributer. Later, he opened his own Kirby distribution and repair business, Kirby of Kirksville. He spent 20 plus years living in Kirksville, Missouri where he enjoyed boating, being a member of and treasurer of the Kirksville Garden Club, and as an active member of the Kirksville Chamber of Commerce. Arvil also enjoyed performing with the Kirksville Community Theater. 

In 2013 Arvil moved to The Village, an assisted living facility in Gainesville, Florida, to be closer to his daughters.

He is survived by his daughter, Wendy Offerle; her husband Frank Offerle; their daughter Elizabeth Offerle; his daughter Adele Ayres; her husband Robert Ayres; their daughter Morgan Ayres and a host of relatives and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at http://act.alz.org/goto/ArvilMing

Memorial Service
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
10:30 AM
Erick Cemetery