Arlis Ray Worden

Arlis Ray Worden, age 58, died unexpectedly of a heart attack on Monday, December 11th, 2023 at his home in Riviera, Texas. Arlis was an incredible human, a hard-working family man with a magnetic personality and a contagious laugh. He lived a life of purpose and was fulfilled by ensuring his children and wife were loved and provided for. Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed farming, ranching, hunting, and fishing and most of all sharing this with his kids. His dedication to his family, friends, and job was unmatched and his legacy will undoubtedly live on through each person that he has touched. 

Arlis was born March 2nd,1965 at Spohn Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas to Beatrice “Bea” Cleo Powell and Doyal Ray Worden. He was the youngest of three kids and grew up hunting, fishing, and swimming in the Nueces River Bottom; he also loved playing baseball and riding motorcycles. After graduating high school, he worked for his uncle Harry Warren’s business, Warren & Sons Surveying. He later worked as a contractor for Bay Ltd before getting hired on with Kerr McGee Southwestern Oil Refinery. These years were also spent helping his mother on the family farm and ranch.

Arlis married Jocelyn in 1992 and together they raised their three children in Robstown, Texas. In 2017, they moved to Riviera, Texas where together they worked to build their lifelong dream. He loved being a father and husband more than anything and will forever be remembered for his incredible laughter, silly phrases, and unconditional love. He dedicated the last 32 years of his career to Flint Hills Resources, formerly known as Koch Refineries. He held many positions within the company over the years, and at last, was a Board Operator at the East Refinery.

Arlis is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jocelyn Tess, sons, Jacob Thomas and Kelton Ray, daughter, Amberly Shea and her husband, Samuel Borday, granddaughter, Abigail Rea Worden, mother-in-law, Diane Gordon, sister, Kay Hamlyn, brother, Wes Worden and his wife, Patricia, brother-in-law, John Gordon and his wife, Megan, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins who will miss him dearly.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Doyal and Bea Worden, father-in-law, John Gordon, and brother-in-law, Steve Hamlyn all of Robstown, Texas.

The funeral will take place at River Hills Baptist Church on Monday, December 18th, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. There will be a viewing at 10 a.m. for those who wish to pay their respects that way. The burial will be private.