Arthur J. Courson (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Arthur James Courson, son of Arthur James and Genova Chrisman Courson, was born October 17, 1926, in Dixon, Missouri. He departed this life Tuesday, June 10, 2014, in Mercy Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of eighty-seven years, seven months, and twenty-three days.
On June 6, 1961, he was united in marriage to Virginia Lea Young, and they shared the last fifty-three years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Gary Courson.
Arthur is survived by his loving wife, Virginia, of the home; a son, David Courson, and his wife, Barbara, of Stoutland, Missouri; a daughter, Susan Randolph, and her husband, Bruce, of Lebanon, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Kelly, Stephanie, Sarah, Amanda, Jennifer, Matthew, and Andrew; ten great-grandchildren, Kellsey, Kaleb, Levi, Noah, Madison, McKenna, Gracie, London, Mason, and Livian; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
He was born in Dixon, but was raised in the St. Louis, Missouri area. He then returned to Dixon, where he helped his parents as a river guide, and graduated from Dixon High School. Art entered the military as a young man, and served his country faithfully in the United States Army during World War II. He was stationed in Germany for part of his time in the military, and then continued to serve in the Army Reserves and Army National Guard. Arthur met his wife, Virginia, while she was working as a waitress at the Munger Moss Restaurant, and soon after they were married. They made their home in the Lebanon area, and lovingly raised their family. Art was employed as a civil service mechanic at Fort Leonard Wood for a total of thirty-three years, before retiring. Later, he worked at Vernon and Sons in Lebanon, and was involved in the construction work for the new Mercy Hospital in Lebanon. He and Virginia also owned and operated a restaurant at one time.
Arthur had made his profession of faith in Christ and was a longtime, active member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Lebanon, where he served as a Deacon. He was a generous and caring man who was always willing to help others. He had a deep abiding faith in God and lived his faith daily.
In his spare time he enjoyed bowling, fishing, and having coffee with his friends. He was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Team and enjoyed watching and attending games when he could. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed having time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Arthur was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories he made for them during his eighty-seven years.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hillcrest Baptist Church Building Fund, and left at the funeral home.
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