Artemas J. "Art" Silver, age 85 of Monticello, died on Monday, February 26, 2018, at Pleasant View Nursing Home. Art was born on May 3, 1932, in Monroe, the son of Ray T. Silver Sr. and Mabel Ann Carroll.

He graduated from Monticello High School in 1949. He married Rosemary J. Purcell on September 8, 1956, at St. Victor Catholic Church in Monroe.

Art devoted his entire life to his dairy farm in Mt. Pleasant Township. He took great pleasure to be able to farm with his father, brothers, son and grandson. He also worked as an insurance agent with Mt. Pleasant-Perry Mutual for 37 years, serving as President of the company at the time of his retirement. He cherished the friendships that he made during his years of employment. Art was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Belleville and a former member of the Monticello Lions Club. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and attending their activities and sporting events. Some of Art and Rose's fondest memories were created on travels with John and Karen Zuber.

Art is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rosemary Silver of Monticello; three children, Mary Jo McCarville of Brodhead, Nancy Silver (Emmet Gorzelitz) of Appleton, and Don (Marlis) Silver) of Monticello; nine grandchildren, Erin (Adam) Terrell, Shaun (Seth) Harrison, Ryan McCarville, Allison (Mike) Karon, Mitch Metcalf, Bridget Metcalf, Andy (Jeannie) Silver, Sarah (Jacob) Story, and Amy Silver; great-grandchildren, Elaina and Annalies Terrell, Declan and Caleb Harrison, and a great-grandson due in March.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Anna Silver; son-in-law, Matt McCarville; two brothers, Ray T. Silver Jr. and William "Bill" Silver; and a sister, Ann Curran.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 338 S. Harrison Street, Belleville, with Father Mick Moon and Father Kenneth Klink concelebrating. Interment followed in St. James Cemetery in Exeter Township. Visitation was on Friday, March 2, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Voegeli-Newcomer Funeral Home, 360 S. Garfield Street, Monticello, and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorials are suggested in Art's name to Monticello Fire Department, Monticello Library, or the Monticello Foundation.

Condolences may be shared at http://www.newcomerfuneralhome.net.