Arvin D. (Abe) Swarthout, age 80 of Rodney formerly of Wyoming, MI, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at his home. He was born November 19, 1933 in Conklin, the son of Curtis and Elenora (Kraft) Swarthout. Arvin retired from Etna Supply in Grand Rapids as a truck driver in 1996; he then began enjoying his retirement at Jensen Lake where he had lived for over 15 years. He had been active for several years with the Mecosta County Senior Center, organizing and participating alongside his dear friend, Helen Chappell in the Euchre Club and tournaments. Arvin's passion for life, his laughter and sense of humor, made him friendly to all who knew him. His pride and joy was his wife, Jean, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arvin worked most of his life and set an example to his family on his dependability and his work ethic. He loved fishing and hunting, mentoring several young men in the traditions and safety of boating, fishing and hunting. He will be dearly missed by the one true love of his life, his wife Jean of 62 years, also surviving are two sons, Gary (Dwayne Jackson) Swarthout of Newport News, VA, Dean (Laura Cowley) Swarthout of Rodney; two daughters, Theresa Vanderlugt of Wyoming, MI, Nancy McReynolds of Rodney; grandchildren, Michael (Becki) Vanderlugt, Brian (Amy) Vanderlugt, Jeanne (Jonathan) Kanaday, Andy (Michael Barr) Lam, Lisa Lam, Amanda (Chris) Glover, Brad (Samantha) Swarthout, and Shane McReynolds; great-grandchildren, Adam, Kayla, Hannah, Ethan, Melody, Brenden, Luke, Scarlett, Jace; several nieces and nephews and his special friend/daughter, Lyn Kasankiewicz-Smithgall. Arvin was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Karen Marie Lam and a son-in-law, James Vanderlugt. Funeral services will take place 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 7, 2014 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Clay Bates officiating. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Thursday, March 6th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Friday. Memorial contributions in Arvin's name may be made to Hospice of West Michigan.