Arthur G. "Shorty" Stout

Arthur George Stout was born on October 7, 1927, in Merkel Texas to parents Raymond George Stout and Essie Mae Bond-Stout. He passed from this life into the arms of Jesus Christ on May 15, 2022, at the age of ninety-four. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Bettye Arlene Fortune-Stout, his son Darrell (Buddy) Stout, and sister Laverl Stout-Dokey.

Arthur is survived by his two daughters, Sharron Stout-Butler of Abilene, and Shallan Stout-Vercell of Montgomery TX. Four grandchildren, Joshua and wife Lynzee Vercell of Willis, TX., Jamie Vercell of Montgomery, TX., Heather Stout-McMillan and husband Edwin, of Broomfield, Colorado., Dara Stout-Davis and husband Corey of Clyde TX. Six great-grandchildren, Madison Vercell, Morgan Vercell, Darrell Stout, Kameron Davis, Wolfram McMillan, and Rosemary McMillan. One brother-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends who loved him very much!

Arthur (know to all his friends in early days as A.G.) grew up in Merkel on a farm raising cotton, wheat, and cows. He said he could ride a tracker almost before he could walk.

A.G. graduated top of his class from Merkel High School in 1945. While helping his parents with their farm, he was drafted into the Army and was told to get his affairs in order he would be going overseas!

A.G. prepared for orders that did not come right away, in fact he was called three times to get his affairs in order and be ready to leave for bootcamp before he actually was called in the summer of 1951. At about that same time A.G. met a beautiful young blonde named Bettye Fortune working in the Soda Fountain of a small business.

On September 26, 1951, A.G. and Bettye married in a small ceremony while he was home from bootcamp. About a week later, he was sent to Korea where he served until 1953. While in Korea, A.G. became motor pool Sargent and served his country transporting vehicles and equipment for the U.S. Army.

When A.G. came home from Korea and finished his service with the Army he started his own business with his first full-service gas station in Merkel, where he became known to his customers as Shorty Stout.

In 1955 Shorty and Bettye would become parents to the first of three children, and Shorty would go on to become an owner-operator of as many as five full-service gas stations and mechanic shops, in Abilene, under the Gulf Oil Corporation brand, which would span over 30 years.

After selling his business, Shorty worked more than 10 years for First National Bank of Abilene, where he had an opportunity to help customers and travel which he loved doing. 

Shorty and Bettye were members of Foursquare Church of Abilene for many years, then later became members of Bible Chapel Church in Abilene, where they loved worshiping and serving God!

Bettye was the love of his life, and they were married for 66 years before Bettye’s passing in 2017.

From childhood Shorty played the guitar and sang, with a love for gospel and country music which led him, after retirement, to start a band where he played for local events and senior community homes.

Shorty loved his Lord Jesus, and he loved to help people and make friends! He always said that a stranger was just a friend that he had not met yet! He was always ready to share a good cup of coffee with a friend and help everyone, however he could.

Visitation will be held from 5pm till 7pm on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at Starbuck Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1pm, Friday, May 20, 2022 at Starbuck Funeral Home with Brian Massey officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel. Arrangements are entrusted to Starbuck Funeral Home.

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