A Loogootee Legend Remembered

Paul E. Arvin 89, passed away Friday,May 28th.He was known far and wide as a great outdoorsmen,basketball and baseball player,and one who influenced a lot of future great Loogootee Lions basketball players and citizens.Paul and his business partner Bill McGovren ran the Ritz Theater in Loogootee from 1933 th 1972. Many current and former citizens of Loogootee have many fond memories of Paul and Bill and the old Ritz Theater.
Paul was considered the Patriarch of Loogootee Lions basketball. He had alot to do with the success it reached in later years. He was a tremendous player in his own right holding many scoring records in the late 1920's. His record for the most field goals scored in a single game stood for many decades. Paul played in the first game played at the old JFK Gym in November,1927. He was the eight grade basketball coach at Loogootee St.John's in the late 40's and early 50's.
More importantly Paul took alot of ballplayers with great potential and molded them into solid citizens of Loogootee. Because of His influence they enjoyed tremendous success off and on the court. Some of the more notible men who were taken under Paul's wing are Jack Butcher,Gordon Phillips,Junior Gee,and Cecil Truelove. These men and many others would tell you that Paul Arvin was like another father to them.Junior Gee always tells the story of after every practice,Paul would always have a sandwich and fries waiting for him keeping warm by the popcorn poper at the Ritz Theater.
He helped make the necessary contacts to Memphis State and Miami Universities so Jack Butcher and Junior Gee would obtain basketball scholarships. Paul was a familiar figure in the stands at all Loogootee Lions games. He always enjoyed attending Loogootee Lions practices and giving Mr. Butcher a few pointers. Some of the greatest memories of his life were when Jack Butcher's Loogootee Lions went to the State Finals in 1970 & 1975. Paul kept scapbooks of Lions seasons and tourney runs some dating back to 1919.
The 20th Century in Loogootee and Indiana has been known for it's basketball and the legends it created. Paul Arvin was one of those legends. In my book he should somehow be remembered at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.
Rest in peace Uncle Paul,I'll have you in my thoughts always especially during basketball season.

A Loogootee Legend Remembered

If you have an interesting memory of this great man,
Please email me at normandale@geocities.com