Arlin D Sides

Arlin was born September 19, 1929, in Ranger, Texas to William and Hettie Lavelle Sides. The Sides family moved to Odessa in March 1938. Arlin attended Odessa High School, graduating in 1949. He was so proud of the fact that he was a member of Odessa High’s first Baseball team organized in 1947. He is well remembered by his classmates as being an outstanding outfielder and one that could really throw the ball from outfield to home plate. While a Junior at OHS, Arlin enlisted in the 36th Recon Division of the Texas National Guard. He was honorably discharged in 1957, with a rank of Tech Sergeant of the Motor Pool.

In 1950, Arlin was reunited with a former classmate, Wanda Worley, who became the love of his life. They were married in April 1953. Arlin and Wanda were well known for competing in Roller Skating Rink Operators of America from 1953 to 1955, winning several awards throughout Texas. They taught roller skating to Girl Scouts in Odessa until 1974.

During WWII, as a teenager, Arlin worked part time for Phillips Petroleum Company in Crane, Texas. He became a full time employee for Phillips as a Field Roustabout in March 1950 starting on the paint gang in Goldsmith. He retired from Phillips holding the position of Gas Gathering System Supervisor, Goldsmith Gas Plant in June 1986.

Over a nine year period, Arlin held various band booster officer positions at Bonham Jr. High School and Permian High School. Arlin was an avid sports fan supporting both Permian High School and Odessa High School. He spent many hours working with athletes in the baseball and basketball programs at Odessa College. He was a good bowler winning several tournaments while bowling for Stoehr Wire Rope.

Arlin was so proud of his three daughters and their successes in band, college, and life. He was very proud and supportive of his six grandchildren. He was always present when they were involved in band, baseball, football, soccer, and gymnastics. Ever ready to lend a hand, the coaches always asked him, “Have you got your ankles taped?”.

Arlin is survived by his wife of 60 years, Wanda Sides; daughters Donna Lind, and husband Kenneth Lind of Odessa, Dodie Cashell and husband Larry Cashell of Austin, Texas, Danna Thornton and husband Greg Thornton of Keller, Texas; six grandchildren, Nathan Lind, Elizabeth Lind Gibbs and husband Luke Gibbs, Austin Cashell, Bryce Cashell, Megan Thornton and Mark Thornton and his wife, Kendyl Thornton, and his special cat, Patches. He is survived by his brother, Jerry Sides and wife Martha Sides of Midland, Texas, sister, Rosalie Brumlow and husband Jerry Brumlow of Floresville, Texas, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends.

Family visitation will be held at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Home Friday, May 31st from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

A memorial service will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church, Odessa at 10:30am on Saturday, June 1st.

The family will hold a private interment service at Sunset Memorial Gardens prior to the Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a memorial gift to Manor Park Endowment Fund 2208 N. Loop 250 West Midland, Texas 79707.

Services are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.