Arthur G. Bothe Jr.

Arthur G. Bothe, Jr, of St. Louis Mo died on Sunday May 31, 2015 at the age of 84. Beloved husband of the late Audrey M. Bothe (nee: Geno) for 45 1/2 years. Son of the late Arthur G. Bothe Sr and Beulah P. Bothe (nee: Brooks); brother to Gregory Bothe and Donna Stotlar (nee: Bothe) and the late Xandra; Joseph, Lawrence, Rita and James; Uncle to Greg Jr., Kevin, Linda, Brian, Laura, James Jr., Shirley and a few nieces and nephews Art never met (sadly). His family with Angel, he is survived by Jamie (Amanda) Vogel, Tony(Tonya) Vogel, and grandchildren Conor, Cale, Tristan and Tessa. A year after Audrey's death, with grief still in his heart, Art noticed a lady doing some sketch work at a Steak N Shake Restaurant. He decided to introduce himself, as he himself is an artist. After a lengthy conversation they found they had a lot in common, specially the Lord Our God. They became close friends and love started blooming again. After 5 years Angel came to visit Art at his home and to her surprise he got down on his knee and asked her to marry him. So they did happily. Sadly they never got to celebrate their 1st anniversary, for Art passed away a week prior to the date. After leaving McBride High School, Art drove 18-wheelers for 32 years. That career started after being drafted during The Korean War. Art was also a Union Drummer playing many musical gigs on and around St. Louis including The Gaslight Square in 1966 at the Silver Dollar. Art drove quite a few times in a half dozen old different cars on Old Hwy 66 from St. Louis to California always stopping at the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, Hoover Dan and Las Vegas on each trip. During that time he lived in California for about 3 years driving 72 foot tractor-trailer from L.A. across the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas and the Northwest; for a brief time in 1954 between trucking he worked for interior decorating firm doing the interiors of some movie stars homes including Ray Milland, Zsa Zsa Gabor, and Don Wilson for T.V. The 1st trip to L.A. Art drove up to Mt. Griffith where a movie crew was busy filming a movie called "Rebel Without A Cause". Art stood there for awhile and watched a fight scene with James Dean and Sal Mineo swinging a chain. Art didn't know at the time who these people were because they were just getting started and weren't stars yet. But this movie became a famous cult film for James Dean fans. Art said the greatest thing that ever happened to him was marrying Audrey and later Angel Art donated his body to St. Louis University. Angel's note. Art had great faith in the Lord, with passions for music and cars. I will sadly miss my husband, he was the most wonderful, nobel, sensitive man I have ever met. Thank you Art for giving me a chance to Love you also and to give life after sadness another chance with me, spending the last few years of your life finding happiness again. Memorial Mass is Friday June 12, 2015, 6pm at St Sabina Catholic Church, 1625 Swallow Lane, Florissant.

Arthur G. Bothe Jr.

May 22, 1931 - May 31, 2015