Yarnik

Arthur H. Yarnik Jr., 89, of Staunton, Ill., died at Anderson Hospital in Maryville on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. He was born on Nov. 25, 1933, in Staunton, the son of the late Arthur Yarnik Sr. and Margaret Cailotto Yarnik. He married Norma J. Pervinsek on June 2, 1956, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Staunton, and she preceded him in death on Jan. 12, 2017.

Art started his postal career in Chicago, soon transferred to St. Louis, Mo., then came back home to Staunton, and retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1995 after 42 years. Art was drafted into the U.S. Navy during the Korean War era. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church of Staunton. Art attended SIU-Carbondale before he was drafted into the Navy. He coached St. Michael's School basketball team for many years and was a Little League baseball coach. Art was a diehard sports fan and loved Cardinals baseball. He also enjoyed grilling, going out to eat, and spending time with family.

Survivors include his five children, Greg (Heidi) Yarnik of Palatine, Val (Mark) Buffington of Staunton, Tim (Yolanda) Yarnik of Springfield, Phil (Shanna) Yarnik of Frisco, Texas, Doug (Wendy) Yarnik of New Douglas; eight grandchildren, Paige Buffington (Dino Tsoulis), Brooke (fiance Cody Brush) Buffington, Eric (Connor) Yarnik, Scott Yarnik, Morgan (Bryan) Knodel, Rachel (Brayden) Geiger, Alexandria and Ashleigh Yarnik; one brother, Dennis (Gayle) Yarnik of Staunton; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ron Yarnik and Jerry Yarnik.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to either St. Michael Catholic Church of Staunton or to the Staunton Sports Boosters. To leave an on-line condolence, visit http://www.williamsonfh.com. Williamson Funeral Home, Staunton, is in charge of arrangements.