Arvel Earl Sumpter was born on January 30, 1932, in Gore, Oklahoma, and departed this life on Saturday, September 22, 2012, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 80.

Arvel, the son of Andrew G. and Almeda Brown Sumpter, was a resident of Meeker.

He married Mattie Lena Johnson on April 18, 1953 in Van Buren, Arkansas.

Arvel proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

He was employed by Soil Conservation Service in Chandler, Valiant, Pawnee and Stillwater. He retired from the Chandler office. He taught soil and water conservation and protection. He also enjoyed teaching 4-H students about the different kinds of grasses and how to construct grass boards for the fair.

Arvel enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He was a member of the Meeker Assembly of God Church, American Legion, the Meeker Masonic Lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star.

His parents, daughter, Melinda Johnson and four brothers preceded Arvel in death.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Mattie Lena Sumpter of the home, daughter and son-in-law, Jannie and Joe Barrington of Okemah, son-in-law, Phil Johnson of Stillwater, brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Francis Sumpter of Gore, sisters, Ruth Hubler of Gore and Doris Smithson of Sallisaw, grandchildren, Michael Johnson and Mishelle Johnson, four geat-grandchildren and numerous friends.

Memorials in Arvel's name may be made to the Meeker Assembly of God or the Meeker Masonic Lodge.

Viewing and visitation will be at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Meeker.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Assembly of God Church in Meeker with Rev. Charles Pearcy officiating.

Interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery in Meeker.