Arvin James Topps was born on December 9, 1954 to Robert and Eula Stowers Topps in St. Louis, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother-in-law Jerry Robinson and nephew Pili Robinson.
Arvin married the love of his life, Melitta, on November 26, 1994.
Arvin majored in finance and received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri Kansas City. He began his career in accounting at Lee Jeans and the Internal Revenue Service, which led to his 30-plus years with the Central States Conference (CSC) of Seventh-day Adventist. During his career with CSC, and often with his wife Melitta, Arvin drove thousands of miles between the different churches in the Conference from South Dakota to Colorado.
Arvin was very active at old Beacon Light Church and at Linwood SDA Temple. He served in many departments including Pathfinders, Deacons, Sabbath School, the Treasury Department and as an Elder. As a young man Arvin was a member of the Adventist Youth Society (AYS). Arvin Arvin represented Linwood at AY Federations, Youth Congress, in Temperance contests, and he was a real team player in sports competitions. He became the Elder over Childrens' Ministries and was on the regular rotation of Childrens' Church story tellers. Arvin was a gentle giant with a heart and passion for children. He led by example - mentoring several generations of young people.
Arvin was a faithful Servant of God who loved his family, his church family, and his friends. He was loved and will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Arvin leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Melitta; son Wayne "Doug" (Amanda) Rowe; aunt Victoria Sikes; uncle Fred Powell; sister Bessie Robinson; brothers Robert "Skip" (Coyela) Topps and Wendell (Sabrina) Topps; sister-in-law Melody Ramsey; nephews Anthony Robinson, Randy Robinson, Robert Topps III, Joe Davis-Topps (godson); nieces Tonnette Topps, Brittany Topp and Felicia Robinson; two honorary sons Kevin (Mari) Harrell and Jonathan (Christina "Mitts") Green; godson Hakim Majeed; goddaughters Erin Harrell and Morgan Harrell; and a host of friends and family who affectionately knew him as Uncle Arvin.
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