He is survived by:
His father:
Arlo Bruesch and significant other April Rogers of Poteau, Oklahoma
His mother:
Jayla Hill of Talihina, Oklahoma
His step-father:
Brock Hill of Antlers, Oklahoma
His significant other:
Alexis Skoda of Sapulpa, Oklahoma
Two sisters:
Eden Bruesch and significant other Ben Ellis of Antlers, Oklahoma
Elise Bruesch of Poteau, Oklahoma
One brother:
Will Hill of Antlers, Oklahoma
His paternal grandparents:
Shon Bruesch and wife Cynthia of Heavener, Oklahoma
His paternal grandmother:
Sue Heavener of Heavener, Oklahoma
His maternal grandparents:
Frank and Jaylene Roberts of Lane, Oklahoma
His maternal great-grandmother:
Murl Ward of Coalgate, Oklahoma
Three uncles and two aunts:
Jesse Bruesch, Rachel Morton and husband Jack, Stevie Gran, and Richie Roberts
His niece:
Steely Ellis of Antlers, Oklahoma
His great uncles:
Joe Heavener and wife Angie of Heavener, Oklahoma
Wes Ward of Coalgate, Oklahoma
Cody Ward of Coalgate, Oklahoma
Terry Ward of Coalgate, Oklahoma
His first cousins:
Rhiannon and Lily Morton, Skyler Watkins, and Jekobi Bruesch
Numerous other loved ones and a host of friends that loved him dearly
He is preceded in death by his paternal great-grandparents, Charles “Dick” and Ola Bruesch, and Herman “Ray” Phyllis Heavener; his maternal great-grandfather, Johnny Carden Ward; his maternal great-grandparents Levi and Betty Roberts, William and Belle Hummingbird; and his great-grandmother, Lena Lynn.
There aren’t enough words to do any justice to who Arlis was. In truth, we couldn’t come close with a novel. Arlis was a beautiful human. He was joyful and silly, and at times goofy. He was playful without need for attention; he simply wanted the people around him to be happy. He would excel at anything that interested him. Arlis didn’t believe quality needed to be loud. His intelligence, the way he loved others, the way he modified his cars, and even down to how he affected a room, he was subtle but absolutely undeniable. That is the incontestable truth of Arlis that we all share.
Arlis was many other things, too. He was a proud owner at different times of his Suzuki TU250X motorcycle, Miata complete with a bash bar, and his highly modified Honda Civic Si. Arlis was a mechanic, a great lover of anything that went fast and made loud noises, but opinionated on these things as well. And he wasn’t above a dig at the expense of someone else’s ride. Always in good fun, Arlis had a great way of making sure others didn’t take themselves too seriously, but without doing lasting damage to anyone’s ego.
So many things to say. Arlis was joyful on a kayak, on the farm, in the gym, at car meets, and with his family. The boy could hug like a bear. He was a role model to many and impacted the lives of those around him through his strength of character. Arlis had the capacity for love and forgiveness in superhuman proportions. He gave love and support; could be leaned on and relied upon. He loved with his entire heart and is gone too soon.
Arlis is gone too soon, and the world is dimmer without him.
A memorial service to honor Arlis’ life will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Freedom House Fellowship Church with Brother Sam Dyer officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.
To sign Arlis’ online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
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