Arvis "Pepaw" Clayton Elerson, Sr, 92, of Ben Wheeler, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Tyler, Texas.

Arvis was born in DeSoto, Texas to Joseph Clark, Sr. and Della Jane Clayton Elerson on May 17, 1930. He graduated high School at Lancaster, Texas. He was known and loved by all his classmates. He participated in talent shows and sponsored a local baseball team. He married the love of his life Wanda May Worley on March 24, 1950 and they celebrated 69 years of marriage. He enjoyed working and worked as a nursery worker, farmer, contractor, and businessman for 50 years. He would always begin and end a workday by saying "let's make a showing". He was involved in the Church of Christ, serving as a Deacon and Elder, leading youth groups, leading singing, prayers and preaching the gospel for his entire life. He led his life as a humble servant to God and treated everyone he met with kindness and a helping hand. In 2007, Arvis was honored by his hometown of DeSoto when the North Elerson Park was named for him.

Arvis is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Alton Raye, Thomas Jerome and Joseph Clark Elerson, Jr, two sisters Wanda Murrel Alford and Norma Dean Palmer, his wife, and daughter Bonita Faye Elerson.

Arvis is survived by daughter Juanita May Walker and husband Greg Walker, sons Arvis Clayton Elerson, Jr, Joseph Earl Elerson and wife Sherry Elerson, Kenneth Ray Elerson and wife Glenda Ellington, and Alan Clark Elerson: 13 Grandchildren, 8 great-Grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

The family of Arvis Elerson wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all family, friends, and the wonderful care team at Hospice of East Texas.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association at act.alz.org

The family will receive friends from 9:00am to 11:00am on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at Byrum Funeral Home Chapel. A celebration of Arvis' life will begin at 11:00am also in the chapel.