Arthur L. DeLaPorte, 90, Van Buren, passed away at 2:08 a.m. on Sunday, December 30, 2018 in Marion. He was born in Hannibal, MO, on August 26, 1928, to William B. DeLaPorte and Bertha Mae Summers. On December 31, 1957, Arthur married his loving bride, Joyce “Carolyn” Locke, and they shared 52 years together before she preceded him in death on April 6, 2010.
Arthur graduated from Hannibal High School in Missouri and was drafted into the Army, where he served during the Korean War. He received his bachelor’s degree from Northeast MO State and master’s degree from the University of Missouri. He began his teaching career at Eastbrook Community Schools, where he taught Government, Econ, Psychology, and Social Studies classes and also coached track and cross country. He ended his career at Huntsville Schools in Arkansas.
Always having a love for running, Arthur held numerous school track/cross country records for many years. It gave him great delight to become a mentor and coach to students who pursued this sport. He had run many marathons throughout his life, with his last marathon taking place at the age of 66. He was a well-read man, and, after losing his eyesight, still enjoyed listening to audible books whenever possible.
He will be missed by his children, William Richard (Julie) DeLaPorte, Huger, SC, Joanne Elaine (Thomas) Hix, Van Buren, Amy Sue (Sam) Tinsley, Harrison, AR, and Arthur Alan (Debbie) DeLaPorte, Harrison, AR; grandchildren, William J. DeLaPorte, Richard J. DeLaPorte, and Richard Jason DeLaPorte, Renee M. DeLaPorte-Payne, Roderic Marcelo, Lily Beth Marcelo, Ruben Marcelo, Joshua J. DeLaPorte, Shad Hix, Scott Hix, Kristen Gioe, Chelsea Boucher, Hayden A. Tinsley, Latisha DeLaPorte, Nikki DeLaPorte, Emily DeLaPorte, Austin DeLaPorte, Cassidy DeLaPorte, Savanna DeLaPorte, and Ashton DeLaPorte; 21 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Russell DeLaPorte; and sisters, Esther Hirner and Jeanie Roach.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Amber Lee Lewellen, and siblings, Ernest, William, James, Robert, and Mary Hanlin.
The family will have a memorial visitation for Arthur from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by his memorial service at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 4, 2019, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN. Rev. Dr. Tom Mansbarger will be officiating.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Marion Public Library, 600 S. Washington St., Marion, IN 46953 or Salvation Army, 359 N. Bradner Ave., Marion, IN 46952.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.