Arvel Dean Rotan, 81, of Waco, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2023, in Waco.
A celebration of Arvel’s life will be held at Lake Shore Funeral Home Saturday, September 2, 2023. CLICK HERE to view the Live Stream of the service. A reception and visitation will begin at 1:00PM followed by the memorial service at 2:00PM.
Arvel was born on October 19, 1941, in San Diego, CA, but he got to Texas as quick as he could. He grew up in Nolan, TX, and attended Divide schools. He graduated from Divide High School, and he helped with the family dairy farm. He went on to attend Sam Houston State University where he was a proud member of the College Farm Boys. He met his future brother-in-law Jack Gardner there who introduced him to the love of his life Cheryl Lee Allen. They married October 12, 1963, in Lovelady, TX. They raised their three children Pam, Dean, and Melissa in Sweetwater and San Angelo. He had a lifelong career in education and retired as superintendent in Valley Mills ISD. In addition to education, he was a rancher and cotton farmer.
Arvel loved to tell stories. Everyone who knew him would say that he was a great story teller. He will be remembered by all who loved him for his passion for fun and tall tales. He loved to play golf and had a great group of friends that he played with almost every day. He loved his kids and grandkids, and he made sure that his grandchildren enjoyed Rotan Summer Camp hunting bugs, being hauled in the gator, and playing on water slides. He was a devoted Christian and long-time member and deacon of First Baptist Church, China Spring.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Mildred (Bawcom) Rotan and his sister, Sharon Kay Rotan. He is survived by Cheryl, his wife of almost sixty years; his daughter, Pam and her husband Ralph Cummings; his son, Dean and his wife Becky; his daughter, Melissa and her husband Zach Granberry; his grandchildren, Ryan, McKenna, and Aidan Granberry, Addi Cummings, Paisley Rotan; and his brother, Gary and his wife Rita. He is also survived by beloved brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews as well as other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate memorials to Providence Hospice Place, 300 Hwy 6, Waco TX 76712 – 2nd floor, www.CHOT.org
Thoughts, memories, and any crazy stories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
I met Arvel through his brother Gary Rotan, we had a wonderful time together just laughing and being guys. Gary we are praying for you and both families. May God give you peace knowing you had 81 long loving years with your brother. Your relationship was an example of true brotherly love, dedication and respect. RIH AR we will keep the love you shared with us close and dear in our memories. TGBTG 🙏
May Angels lead him in.
Sending our deepest condolences and prayers.
Gary and Andrea Gee
My thoughts, prayers and most sincere condolences go out to Cheryl and the Rotan family. Arvel Rotan was a great man and he had a tremendous impact on my life. About 24 years ago Arvel insisted that I pursue a masters degree and become an administrator. When I say he insisted, I mean he was relentless. If I said that I just didn’t see how I could make it work, he would just give me that big smile and say we will make it work, and we did. He helped me with the resources, the time and 100% of his support. I would not be the educator I am today without the love, support and friendship of Arvel Rotan. Thank you Arvel.
God Bless