Art McEwen, farmer, scholar, sailor, and family leader, who never ceased in his commitment to his country, his family, and all those he served in his local community and beyond is dead – just shy of his 84th birthday.


art mcewen bushnell il
Arthur L. McEwen January 15th, 1936 - December 9th, 2019

...following is the obituary for my father-in-law, Art McEwen. He died December 9th, 2019 and I will miss him a great deal. -john c ashworth, curator of the ash flash.

Art McEwen, farmer, scholar, sailor, and family leader, never ceased in his commitment to his country, his family, and all those he served in his local community and beyond.

Art was hardworking. It was not just the physical, mechanical and engineering work he loved so much, as it was the idea and importance of contributing to something greater.

In this idea and philosophy that he developed around his life, he was able to inspire many people both young and old to accomplish more than they ever thought they could. This inspired a legacy worth living up to and that now seeds the heart of inspiration for all of his children and grandchildren.

This will not make losing him any easier. That cannot change. No doubt, Art will be greatly missed.

Art was born on January 15th, 1936 and died in service to the land and his family on December 9th, 2019. He is survived by his wife Jean of 54 years; his children Brian, Laura, Eric, and Edward; nine grandchildren; his brothers Jack and Mike; and sisters Susie and Cathy.

Art was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, graduating from Holy Name High School in 1953, joining the US Naval Reserve in the summer of 1953. In 1954 he received an appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York where he graduated in 1958. Following graduation, he worked as an engineer in the marine shipping industry.

He and Jean were married on April 2nd, 1966 in San Rafael, CA.

Art then followed both a calling and family ties back to Prairie City, IL in 1974 where he went to work cultivating his family as well as the land, with Jean’s parents Carl and Bernice Wagner.

In 1989, Art began working as a mechanical engineer at Western Illinois University until he retired in 2002. During this time, he continued to work with his boys raising grain and livestock.

He was also a devoted Christian and proud member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Bushnell, IL.

In addition, Art was an active member of the Bushnell Rotary Club and served time as president, where his gifts and commitment resulted in recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow recipient.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St Bernard’s Catholic Church.

Arthur L McEwen
January 15th, 1936 - December 9th, 2019
About the Author
John Ashworth is an empathetic sales leader with an incredibly diverse background as a salesman, business consultant, marketing maniac, writer, Dad and full time Bohemian Athlete. aka Johnny Renaissance.

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