Arthur Linder

Arthur Lee Linder was born on August 7, 1933, to Raymond Austin and Leda (McGill) Linder in Arrington Township, Wayne County, Illinois. He departed this life from his home in Graff, Wright County, Missouri, on July 31, 2026, at the age of 92 years, 11 months, and 24 days. His father was born around 1904 and passed away from a form of cancer at approximately 44 years of age, when Arthur was just 11 years old. His mother was born in 1906 and passed away in her late 70s from age-related causes, in 1984. He was one of six children, with three brothers; Henry, Vernie, and Herman and two sisters; Delores and Maryeta. Arthur was the last surviving sibling.

 Arthur often shared stories of growing up on a farm south of town in a very poor family. He attended a small country school that had neither electricity nor running water. He completed school through the eighth grade and would jokingly say that he repeated the seventh grade twice. After leaving school, he worked on a farm in northern Illinois before taking a job in the oil fields with a friend from Indiana. By the age of 18, he had already worked in the oil fields across four states. 

Arthur was drafted into the United States Army, though he always joked that a neighbor had “volunteered” him. He was stationed in Germany near Kaiserslautern, where he served as a heavy equipment operator, helping repair roads and infrastructure following World War II. During his service, he suffered severe burns to his left leg after a fuel leak caused a fire. He spent several weeks in the hospital and was told there was a good chance his leg would need to be amputated. Through determined medical care, antibiotics, and his own perseverance, his leg healed, and amputation was avoided. Arthur was honorably discharged from the Army in July 1961, attaining the rank of Corporal. 

In June 1958, while living in Gillette, Wyoming, Arthur married MaryLou Gilstrap. Together, they had two sons, Randy and Troy. Their marriage ended around 1965. Arthur remained in Gillette and continued his career in the oil fields, working long hours and traveling extensively for major oil companies. He truly loved his work and excelled in the industry. Throughout his life, he had countless stories to tell about his years in the oil fields and the people he met along the way. 

After returning from Germany, Arthur worked throughout the western United States before eventually moving back to Illinois for several years. He later settled in Mountain Grove, Missouri, where he enjoyed his retirement.

 Arthur was an incredibly hardworking man who took pride in everything he did. He loved gardening, fishing, sharing a good fish dinner, and spending time with family and friends. He never turned down a visit and always enjoyed telling stories about his childhood, family, and adventures in the oil fields—and he certainly had plenty of stories to tell. 

In his late 80s, Arthur moved to what would become his final farmhouse. He spent countless hours checking cattle, cutting firewood, and spoiling his two beloved dogs, Molly and Paisley. Several times each week, he would load up “the girls” and take them to Burger King for hamburgers, a tradition they all seemed to enjoy. 

Arthur had an extraordinary way of turning friends and neighbors into family. He was loved by so many and became a grandfather figure to countless children who adored him. Though he was never afraid to speak his mind, his honesty was always matched by a kind and generous heart. 

Arthur leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories, lessons, a remarkable work ethic, and countless reminders of the value of hard work and saving a penny. One of his favorite sayings was, “If there’s daylight, there’s work to be done.” He was a source of strength for many people during difficult times, always ready with a word of advice, a warm smile, or a heartfelt hug. 

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents; all of his siblings; his son, Randy; and several other beloved family members. 

He is survived by his son, Troy; grandchildren, Alexandria, Dusty, Niki, and Aaron; several great-grandchildren; other loving family; a host of friends (who were like family); and his two very spoiled little companions, Molly and Paisley. 

Arthur will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

There are no services planned for Arthur at this time. Cremation services were under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.