Arthur “Art” Leon Lauderback, 68, of Charleston, IL, passed away on January 21, 2024 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital.
Art was born in Flora, IL on August 12, 1955 to William and Mabel (Oaster) Lauderback. They preceded him in death in 1962 and 2017, respectively. He married Rebecca Keck in 1986 and they share one son together, Adam Lauderback. Since 2005, Art has been in a long-term partnership with Lisa Canivez, also of Charleston. Art is survived by his son, Adam and wife Jennifer Lauderback, and infant granddaughter Maeve, of Hillsborough, NC; long-term partner, Lisa Canivez; and siblings, Donna England of Kalkaska, MI and Jim Lauderback and wife Doreen of Deerfield, IL. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as his beloved canine companion, Betty.

Art graduated from Flora High School in 1973. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts from Eastern Illinois University in 1979. Art was employed at Roc’s Blackfront in Charleston in its heyday, always sharing stories from his time as a bartender and manager. He was also employed with R.R. Donnelley, Quebecor World Petty Printing, Rockome Gardens, United Graphics, the Charleston VFW, and finally Eastern Illinois University. Art began his employment at EIU as a Building Service Worker, was promoted to BSW subforeman, and eventually became the sole Pest Controller on campus where he was affectionately known as “The Bug Man.” He retired from EIU in April of 2022. Art met many life-long friends at each of these places of work.

Art brought joy and love into every room that he entered. He was an avid golfer, hunter, stained glass creator, Cardinals baseball, Illinois basketball, and EIU football fan, Harley rider, Jeep owner, and dog lover. Art looked forward to every turkey and deer hunting season, which he always spent with his close buddies from Flora. He was passionate about his hobbies and spent much of his free time enjoying these activities. In recent years, Art took great pride in being a founding member of the pet therapy program at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, alongside Colleen Stoner. Art and Betty made countless visits to patients who were hospitalized, bringing much happiness to those who needed their spirits lifted. He also routinely donated blood through ImpactLife Nonprofit Blood Donation Center, donating over 50 gallons and benefitting countless lives. Art was thrilled to meet his new granddaughter, Maeve, this past December. Art found the good in each and every person that he met. Those that knew him admired his bright outlook and philosophy on life. Art will be remembered by his charisma, genuine smile, valuable advice, infectious laugh, and dedication to his family, community, and friends. To quote a message received from good friend Dan Beranek, “We are all blessed to have known him, and I’m sure he’d have some deep witty thing to say about how to accept this and move on. Unfortunately, I don’t think he’d understand how much he meant to so many people.”

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Charleston VFW Post 1592 on March 3, 2024 at 1:00 PM. Sharing of stories and memories will begin at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to PetPartners.org or the Charleston VFW. Central Cremation Center in Forsyth, Illinois has been handling arrangements.

“I’m happy. I’m retired, I love, I have a great group of friends, I have a fantastic dog, I play a lot of golf, I volunteer, I exercise, I work a little, I laugh, I cry, I create, I eat well, I drink well, I am content, I am neither rich nor poor, but I am happy.” -Art Lauderback, June 10, 2023.