Arvell Phillips

Arvell Phillips, 87, long-time resident of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord Jesus, Saturday, May 31, 2025, at his home in Poplar Bluff.

Arvell was born Oct. 23, 1937, in Wardell, Missouri, to parents Harvey William and Bertha Lee (Brown) Phillips. Arvell was proceeded in death by Linda, his dear wife of 57 years; his parents; two brothers: William “Buddy” Phillips and Harvell Phillips; his identical twin; and six sisters, Ora Burgess, Mattie Crafton, Velma Harris, Dorcie Arnold, Patricia Roberts, and Virginia Willoughby.

Arvell grew up in the farming community of Wardell where he attended school and learned the value of responsibility and hard work. On Feb. 28, 1960, Arvell married the love of his life, Linda Lou Vickery in Wardell. Arvell worked in farming and at the local cotton gin in Wardell. In December of 1960, Linda and Arvell welcomed their first child, Harvey Lynn. Their second child, Lisa Ann, was born in August of 1964.

They moved their family to Caruthersville, Missouri, where Arvell worked as a produce manager in the grocery business. Arvell and his father-in-law, Wiley Vickery, had a desire to return to a rural setting and to own a farm again. They found land with two houses in Poplar Bluff and worked together to renovate it and move their families there in the summer of 1969.

In Poplar Bluff, Arvell worked for several years as produce manager at the IGA store. Later, he worked in maintenance for many years with the Poplar Bluff Housing Authority, from which he retired. Arvell also served for many years as the custodian at Second Baptist Church where he and Linda were very active members until recent times due to declining health.

On the farm in Poplar Bluff, Arvell raised large gardens working alongside his mother-in-law, Mildred Vickery. At various times he raised cattle and hogs as well. Arvell was always a hard worker and always willing to help others. He passed on many skills to his children.

Arvell was seriously injured in a tractor accident on the farm from which doctors said he would not fully recover. However, he did fully recover and would be the first to tell anyone that he recovered because of the Lord’s hand on him and the love and support of his family. Arvell had a strong faith in Christ and during recent months he could sense his home-going was nearing. He loved his family dearly but he also, as the Apostle Paul, longed to depart and be with Christ and his precious bride Linda who proceeded him in passing on to Glory.

Survivors include his son, Harvey Lynn Phillips (wife Rosemary) of Poplar Bluff; his daughter, Lisa Ann Odom (husband Bob), of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Christopher Odom (wife Myranda) and Melissa Odom, of Poplar Bluff, Amy Besher (husband Josh), Lori Wood, and Ricky Robertson of Poplar Bluff; great-grandsons Landon and Levi Odom of Poplar Bluff.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 5, at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services. The Celebration of Life Service is at 11 a.m. at the Cotrell Willow Ridge Chapel with Robert Vickery, Arvell’s brother-in-law, officiating. Interment will be at Memorial Gardens in Poplar Bluff.

Online condolences may be expressed at https://www.cwrfcs.com/.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Arvell Phillips.