Art Force

Arthur Rex “Art” Force, age 94, of Lamar, passed away Thursday evening, October 30, 2014 at Truman Healthcare Center where he had been a resident for the past several weeks.      Art was born August 25, 1920, in Carthage, Missouri, the youngest of the four children of Arthur and Edith (Castor) Force.  After graduating from Jasper High School, he worked as a carpenter until joining the Army in 1942.  As a soldier in the 4th Armored Division, Art served in Normandy, North France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe, was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart, five Bronze Stars, and the Distinguished Unit Badge.  He was a member of Lamar VFW Post 3691 and Disabled American Veterans.      Working in the construction industry, Art was a batch man and truck driver for a concrete plant.  After retiring, he had time to devote to music.  As a talented, self-taught fiddle player, he played with various groups, including “Barely Able”.  He was a member of First Christian Church of Lamar.      On October 26, 1952, at Joplin, Missouri, Art married Anna Belle Crossland and they had celebrated nearly 49 years together before her death March 29, 2001.  He was also preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Sandra K. Mitchell; a brother, Earl Force; and two sisters, Anna Southern, and Mae Knapp.      Survivors include a step-daughter, Dee Gage, Lamar; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nephews Lloyd (Karen) Southern, Carl Junction, Missouri and Robert (Connie) Southern, Raytown, Missouri; and nieces Carolyn Depue, Fairland, Oklahoma, Clara Faye Jackson, Carl Junction, and Gail (Owen) Taylor, Manchester, Missouri; and a large extended family.      Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am. Monday, November 3rd, 2014, at Daniel Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will be in Lake Cemetery.      Contributions are suggested to Barton County Senior Center or Lamar First Christian Church in care of Daniel Funeral Home.