George Artis
George “Bill” Artis, 63, of Prosperity, went to be with his Lord Sunday, March 31, 2013, in the Veterans Administration Hospital, Oakland, following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born on May 13, 1949, in Waynesburg, a son of the late Ernest and Mary Bane Artis.
Mr. Artis was a 1967 grauduate of Bethlehem-Center High School.
He served twice in the U.S. Marine Corps, first as a sergeant, seeing service in Vietnam, followed by a second tour as a chief warrant officer. Following his regular tour of duty, he served for several years in the Marine Reserve.
Mr. Artis belonged to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 927 and American Legion Post 175, both of Washington.
Following his military service, he worked as a truck driver for Summit Lay Down. He also was a self-employed carpenter.
He enjoyed woodworking and playing old country music on the guitar.
Surviving are a son, Lt. Cmdr. Christopher (Krista) Artis of California, Md.; a daughter, Jasi (Gerald) Meade of Pilot, Va.; his companion for 22 years, Laura Castro, with whom he made his home; a brother, Charles (Cindy) Artis of Belton, Mo.; four sisters, Dot (Mike) Marty of Madison, Wis., Jackie (Bobby) Childers of Arkdale, Wis., Beverly (Umit) Basaglu of Fairfax, Va., and Vera Estep of Mt. Morris, Mich.; two grandchildren, Kathryn Artis and Julia Meade; and several nieces and nephews.
He will be missed by Melissa Jo Arthur, Christopher Banco, Sebastian Tortorello; his dogs, Lady and Bear; and friends Barbara Proctor and Cathy “Dink” Shingle.
Deceased is a sister, Lydia Corn.
Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the time of service, Thursday, April 4, in Hummell and Jones Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, Thomas W. Hummell, supervisor, Douglas M. Jones, director, with Steve Ramey officiating. Interment will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. Full military honors will be accorded by the United States Marine Corps and American Legion, Post 175, Washington. Messages of condolence may be left at www.hummellandjones.com.