Artie Armstrong

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Artie James Armstrong, 88 years, of Joplin, Missouri passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

Artie was born on April 6, 1929 at Anderson, Missouri to the late William Thomas and Esther Jane (Lagers) Armstrong. He grew up in the Lone Star area, attending the Morrison School. He received his associates degree from Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri. Artie enlisted in the Army December of 1948 and discharged in August 31, 1969, serving in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He married Esther Lair on July 3, 1952 in Bentonville, Arkansas and to this union four daughters were born. In 1970 they moved back to Anderson, Missouri and opened a restaurant "Artie's Cafe and Donut Shop" until 1973. Artie was a faithful member of the Full Gospel Church in Joplin, Missouri, where he taught Sunday School. He was a licensed minister with the FGEA. Artie enjoyed hunting, fishing, singing and teaching.

He was preceded in death by his parents; eight brothers, Paul, Floyd, Dean, Arnold, Donald, David, Darrell and Bob; seven sisters, Dananell, Dalone, Laveral, Ruth, Wilma, Jean and Maylene.

Artie is survived by his children, Brenda Joyce Clutter and husband, Joel of Carl Junction, Missouri, Deborah Ann Caywood of Goodman, Missouri, Susan Esther Armstrong of Plano, Texas, Lisa Rosalie Davis and husband, David of Webb City, Missouri, Bay Carrier and wife, Tara of Webb City, Missouri; two sisters, Mable Sycamore and husband, Glade of Brigham City, Utah, Mary Gann and husband, Ben of Noel, Missouri; 11 grandchildren, Cory, Derek, Brennan, Elyse, Hayden, Sam, Rick, Robert, Chris, Hilaria and Kelsey; seven great grandchildren, Marissa, Kristy, Micah, Koblie, Emmie, Bentley and Collin; along with a host of other relatives and wonderful friends who will dearly miss Artie.

Graveside funeral services with full military honors for Artie will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at the Peace Valley Cemetery in Anderson, Missouri. Brother John Myers will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 in the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark funeral home. The family will receive friends at this time. Memorial contributions may be given to the Salvation Army in care of the funeral home.