Arthur J. "Bud" Beier

Arthur J. “Bud” Beier, age 81 of Mattoon, IL passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at his residence. A graveside service in his honor will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, April 14, 2025, at Dodge Grove Cemetery in Mattoon, IL. Pastor Scott Thompson will officiate. Military Rites will be conducted by Mattoon VFW Post 4325. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938 is in charge of services Arthur was born on November 24, 1943, in Bloomington, IL to the late Guy F. and R. Nadine (Lee) Beier. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, James Merrill, after his father’s early passing. He married Sandra K. Eaton on July 24, 1962, in New Buffalo, MI; she survives and resides in Mattoon, IL. He is also survived by one son, James G. Beier and wife Lisa of Aurora, IL; one daughter, Kimberly N. (Beier) Cline of Columbus Junction, IA; two grandchildren, Alex and Jessica Beier of Aurora, IL; and one sister, Linda Merrill of Iowa. He was preceded in death by one sister, Janet Emment; and one son-in-law, Allen Cline. Taking an early interest in the armed forces, Art attended the Western Military Academy in Alton, IL during high school. He later joined the United States Airforce and served for nine years. Within that time frame, he was part of a helicopter rescue team in Turkey. In 1973, Art graduated from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. He was a deputy sheriff and detective in Coles County IL for more than twenty-two years before his retirement. Having a passion for martial arts, Art earned his 10th degree Jujutsu and was awarded the title of Soke, meaning the Founder of Shin Ken Ki Jujutsu. For more than thirty years he taught at Kobudokan Dojo Martial Arts Studio in Champaign, IL. Art had a fondness for playing golf with his brother-in-law, Gary Eaton. This was an outing they both enjoyed, even though they did not play up to par. As a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Art will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Memorial donations in his honor may be made to VFW Post 4325, 1220 S. 19th Street, Mattoon, IL 61938. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Arthur J. "Bud" Beier

November 24, 1943 - April 6, 2025