“He loved unconditionally”
“Jack”, our beloved father passed away Friday, September 3rd at 83 years of age. He was a man of passion. He had a strong relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, which guided every aspect of his life. He was completely consumed with love for his beautiful bride, June. He felt that he was lucky to have her in his life, and spent every day proving that to her. A strong compassionate, loving father to the children God gave him, Phil, Dawn and Tim. A father to Chris & Caroline, who wandered across his path and he decided to call his own. When he became a grandfather & great grandfather, his love, pride and ability to spoil, reached unparalleled heights. They were his true joy.
“Art” loved sports, but he loved the relationships it builds more. He considered it a gift being able to be a part of or helping guide teens to becoming young adults. Sure he was happy when they went on to play at the next level, but his pride came from them becoming good people, thoughtful parents and loving spouses. He could be a taskmaster, but could melt a player’s worries away with one of his bear hugs, leaving no doubt that he was here for them.
“Coach” taught for 45 years. He and June spent two years working in the Mexico School District, where he coached Football & Baseball. They then moved to Affton, where he would remain for 31 years, coaching Football, Basketball, Wrestling & Baseball. He was also an Athletic Trainer. In the fall of 1992, he would rejoin June at Lutheran South. He would stay for 14 years, coaching Football, Track & Baseball. When he retired from teaching the second time, he went to go coach with two of his best friends at Washington University. He was an assistant for four years. In the fall of 2007, he returned to Affton, as a volunteer assistant coach and trainer.
“Jack” is preceded in death by June, his beloved wife of 54 years, his parents Oscar and Verna, and his three brothers: Melvin, Laclede(“Buster”) and Danial. He is survived by his two sisters, Joyce Clark (Howard) and Sue Plaxco (Jerry), sisters-in-law Eva (Melvin), Pat Buzzanga (Jim) and brothers-in-law Jim Brandt (Carla) and Steven Joseph (Phyllis). He leaves behind children Phil (Cheryl), Dawn, Tim (Stacey), Chris (Becky) and Caroline (Laree), grandchildren Dan (Annie), Joshua (Jenny), Caleb, Nate, Nick, Tyler, Noah and Pepper, and great Grandson Micah. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends,…too many to count.
Due to COVID protocols, the funeral is open only to immediate family. There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony at the Affton Football (Brunette) Field at 6pm, September 18, 2021, which is open to all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers: the family asks for any donations to be made to the Art Hill Dedication Scholarship, through the Affton Educational Foundation.
Mail checks to Affton High School:
8309 Mackenzie Road
Affton, Mo. 63123
Checks should be made out to: Affton Education Foundation
List in the memo: C/O Art Hill Dedication Scholarship