The Rev. Arvil Croy

The Rev. Arvil Lee Croy, 86, of Bloomfield, Mo., passed away Saturday, July 26, 2008, at Heartland Health and Rehab Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Oct. 7, 1921, in Toga, Mo., to Ross and Allie McKinney Croy. Arvil and Iness Linville were united in marriage Dec. 24, 1940, at Bloomfield. She preceded him in death June 19, 2000.

Arvil was a retired truck driver, cattle farmer and minister. He was a member of the Zalma General Baptist Church.

Survivors include four daughters and sons-in-law; Barbara (Martin) McCoy, of Kirkwood, Mo., Glenda (Don) Cato, of Advance, Mo., Marilyn (Jesse) Sones, of Edwardsville, Ill., and Cindy (Jeff) Gaines of Edwardsville; two brothers, Ross Croy of Emery, Texas, and Bertis Croy of Jackson; five sisters, Helen Rainer of Advance, Mary Emma Cook of Fairview Heights, Ill., Shelby Matthews of Arnold, Mo., Annalee Cates of Dexter, Mo., and Bonnie Johns of Advance; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Gary Cory, Charles Croy and Doyle Croy; and a great-granddaughter, Jessica Cato.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Morgan Funeral Home in Advance.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will be at George Cemetery near Swinton, Mo., with the Rev. Earl Elfrink officiating.

Donations should be made to the Advance Ministrial Alliance.