Artie McNair

July 13, 1929 — December 14, 2023

Artie McNair

Service Details

Artie Richard McNair, Jr. was born on July 13, 1929, in St. Joseph, Missouri to the late Artie and Arzula McNair. He was peacefully called by the Lord at the age of 94 years old on December 14, 2023, at Trinity Center Luther Park, Des Moines, Iowa.

Artie was educated in the St. Joseph, Missouri public school system. The family moved to Des Moines, Iowa where Artie attended and graduated from East High School. He furthered his education at Drake University and graduated with a bachelor’s and Master’s degree in music. He was the Music Coordinator at Bethel AME Church of Des Moines until joining the U. S. Army where he was an accomplished pianist. Artie was also selected for the Education Services Officers for the U. S. Air Force teaching music lessons in Korea, Japan, and Thailand. He also taught music lessons on a reservation in South Dakota.

As much as Artie enjoyed teaching a variety of music, he spent most of his life enjoying and loving the beautiful islands of Hawaii. During his time there he was a member of Unity Church of Hawaii and a member of the Usher Board. He enjoyed traveling and playing tennis. He was a fun-loving person full of life, a lot of laughter, and loved to dance.

Artie was preceded in death by his parents, Artie and Arzula McNair; sister, Maxine McNair; and brother, Fredrick McNair. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving cousins, Theresa (Carmillia) Edwards and Richard (Dickie) Jones of Des Moines, IA; niece, Anita McNair of Seattle, WA; niece, Janita (Jerry) Phillips and grandnephews, Abasa, Prince, and Jermaine Phillips, all of Orlando, FL. He truly will be missed by many loving friends and family, as well as many friends during his stay at Trinity Center Luther Park.

A graveside service will be held at Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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