Arthur Nelson Deskins Jr.

Arthur Nelson Deskins, Jr., age 92, a longtime resident of Pe Ell, died Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022 at St. John Medical Center in Longview. He was born May 27, 1929 in Lebam, Washington, to Arthur, Sr. and Virginia Deskins.

Art served in the United States Air Force for 20 years, and was honorably discharged in 1970, achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant. For several years, he was the lead custodian for the Pe Ell School District.

When he was younger, Art loved to fish, hunt and grow a large vegetable garden. In his later years, he enjoyed visiting various Lewis County thrift stores, attending events at the Pe Ell Senior Center, and being with his beloved family at barbecues and during the holidays. Art often fondly reminisced about his 90^th birthday party when family and friends gathered together with him to celebrate this memorable milestone.  

Art loved telling fascinating stories about all the places he was stationed while serving his country abroad. Italy, in particular, held a special place in his heart. Perhaps the spiritual highlight of Art’s life was being baptized by his son, Gary, who pastored a local church at the time.

Arthur was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn ---they were married 62 years; a daughter, Susan Hatler; and eight brothers and sisters. Art is survived by two sons, Michael Deskins of Marysville, WA and Gary Deskins of Toledo, WA; a daughter, Lori McKinstry of Olympia; 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

A celebration of Art's life will take place Saturday, Jan., 15, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Pe Ell United Methodist Church with a graveside service at Lebam Cemetery at 1 p.m.

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