Arthur James Tester, Kingston, Missouri, passed away on December 2, 2012, at the Missouri Veteran's Home, Cameron, Missouri.

Arthur was born on March 13, 1928, in Clinton County, Missouri, to Benjamin Franklin and Lydia Leona (Huntley) Tester. Art was raised on the family farm near Winston, Missouri.

Art, at the age of 16, operated a caterpillar for Buzz Almond, and drove a lime truck for Auden Witt. Later he carried the newspaper for the Kansas City Star and also threw for the St. Joseph News Press for over 12 years. He had driven a gasoline tanker in Kansas City, Kansas. He entered the U.S. Army in 1951 during the Korean War. He took tank training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. In 1952, Art went to Germany as a tank operator guarding the Berlin Wall. He spent two years there and was honorably discharged in 1960.

On October 30, 1946, he was united in marriage to Dixie Jean McMillian in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Art moved to Platte County and farmed row crop and raised cattle, hogs, and tobacco. Art and Dixie bought their farm in Caldwell County nearly 50 years ago. Art farmed, drove a semi and caterpillar, dug many ponds and did lake construction in the area for John Burdick. Art had also worked as a Caldwell County Deputy in the 1980's under Sheriffs Maurice Robison and Wayne Adkison. He loved farming, hunting, fishing, riding horses and just being with family and friends. He was a past member of the Hamilton American Legion Post #285, and had been a member of numerous saddle clubs.

Art was always happiest busy repairing and fixing things in his shop. He was happiest working. He spent one year at Quail Run Nursing Home in Cameron, and then 1 1/2 years at the Missouri Veteran's Home in Cameron where all the caregivers called him Grandpa.

Art was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Andrew and Alva Tester; two sisters, Leona Mae Boydston and Nellie Izola Richey; one sister-in-law, Shirley (Bernard) Tester; and two brothers-in-law, Mitchell Boydston and Redmond Richey.

Survivors: Wife, Dixie Jean (McMillian)Tester of the home; Daughter, Vickie Tester Vance Jones and Grandson, Justin Davis Vance, all of Kingston; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Graveside Service & Interment: 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 4, at the Kingston Cemetery.
Visitation: 1 hour prior to the service, 10 to 11 a.m., at Bram Funeral Home, Hamilton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cameron Comfort Care Hospice or the Missouri Veteran's Home.