Everett (Elve) Page Otwell departed his earthly life to his eternal life Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Texarkana, Texas, at the age of 90 years and 11 months. He was born June 23, 1928 near Prescott, Arkansas to James B. and Ethel Higginbotham Otwell.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Pascal Otwell, James Otwell, and sister, Novice Vahle and the mother of his child, Betty Birmingham Otwell.
He was a member of The First Church of the Nazarene, Texarkana. Mr. Otwell retired from the Arkansas Fire Department and Day and Zimmerman. As a teenager he began his career in the candy making business under Garlon Nelson. He then continued making all types of candy with Shipp Candy Company. After he gained knowledge and experience he opened his own candy company, Elve's Peanut Candy and became known as the "peanut candy man" and shipped candy world wide. He was owner and president of that company more than 60 years. His candy became a favorite of generations at the Four States Fair for over 50 years. He sold his candy business 8 years ago.
Left to celebrate his life are his only child, Jayna Otwell Blan and her husband, Gary of Texarkana, Texas. His grandchildren, Courtney Blan Frazier and her husband Brandon of Dallas, Justin Stanfield Blan and his wife Yolanda of Houston, Barton Christopher of Oklahoma City, Jordan Blan Barbarino and her husband, Frank of Okinawa, Japan; his great grandchildren, Brooke Frazier, Lauren Frazier, Makenzie Blan, Madison Blan, Mason Reel, Macy Blan, Peyton Blan, Noah Blan, Londyn Barbarino, Sebastian Barbarino and Gryffin Barbarino. Also surviving, his friend Pauline Pankey of Texarkana, Texas, his sister Myrtice Manning of Texarkana, brothers, J. C. Otwell and Jack and wife, Margaret Otwell of Texarkana and sister-in-law, Opal Otwell and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Arrangements are under the direction of East Funeral Home - Downtown. Visitation will be Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Funeral services will be Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at East Funeral Chapel in downtown, Texarkana with Rev. Tommy Earl Burton officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Gardens, Texarkana.
Memorial contributions may be made to Texarkana, Arkansas Fire Department Honor Guard, 416 East 3rd St., Texarkana, AR 71854. Online tributes may be made at www.eastfuneralhomes.com.
