Richard D. “Dick” Arthur, 79, of Monmouth, IL passed away at 11:12 pm on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at his home.
Dick was born January 12, 1944 in Monmouth, IL, the son of Richard Paul and Velma Maxine (Ralston) Arthur. He grew up in rural Monmouth attending the newly rebuilt Law School for grades 1 through 8. He then entered Warren High School as a Freshman in its first year of existence. He graduated from Warren High School in 1962.
Dick then attended Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL, where he was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Degree in 1968. He would later graduate from Western with a Master of Science in Education Degree in 1979.
When Dick finished work on his Bachelor’s Degree at the end of the Winter Quarter, he often fondly spoke of how he took his last final on a Thursday started teaching on Friday, where he started teaching at the Meredosia-Chambersburg Junior High for 1 1/3 years. The next step was to return to Monmouth and teach sixth grade at Harding Elementary School as well as coach at the Junior High and High School. Then, he moved to Central Junior High, where he taught Social Studies and coached, as well as did behind the wheel Driver Education for twenty-nine years.
Dick married Kathie (Lovdahl) Johnson on February 19, 1989 in Monmouth and she survives.
After teaching for 33 years, he retired in 2001 and then became an Aide for the Knox Warren Special Education District, where he worked for 10 years. He often said how fortunate he was to have grown up when he did and then to have had the opportunity to coach and work with the young people he had.
When not teaching or coaching Dick enjoyed antiquing and working in his yard. He was also an avid reader.
Survivors include his wife, Kathie Arthur of Monmouth; daughters, Denise (Patrick) Mascari of Naperville, IL and Kimberley (Jack) Chenault of Lake Hopatcong, NJ; step-son, Nathan (Regina) Johnson of Monmouth; and his 6 grandchildren, Luke Chenault, Ryan Mascari, Justin Mascari, Creighton Johnson, Hayden Johnson and Kane Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother; several aunts and uncles.A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 9:00-11:00 am at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. A private family interment will take place at Monmouth Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Russell & Ann Gerdin ASC Hope Lodge or Hospice Compassus and sent to the funeral home.
