Sweeney, Arthur Raymond "Art"

Arthur Raymond "Art" Sweeney, 90, has died after a brief illness. He 
passed away Saturday, May 12, 2007, at his home surrounded by his 
loving family.

The Mass of Christian burial will be at noon Wednesday, May 16, 2007, 
at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with Father Mark Dunne officiating. 
Entombment will follow in Rosewood Mausoleum.

The oldest of three children, Art was born June 24, 1916, in Oregon, 
Wisconsin, to Frank and Louva Sweeney. He attended Oregon public 
schools and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, earning a 
degree in animal husbandry while playing his beloved trumpet in the 
Badger Marching Band. He played his trumpet in numerous bands 
throughout his life until prevented from doing so by his health.

After college, he went to work for Mr. Oscar Meyer as a buyer in 
Madison, Wisconsin. He met his wife of 64 years, Madelyn Campbell of 
Longview, during the war at Barksdale A.F.B., where he was a major in 
the United States Army Air Force. After starting his family and his 
insurance career in Wisconsin, he moved to Longview in 1955.

Art was very active in community affairs through his memberships in 
the Knights of Columbus, the Longview Lions Club, The Longview Chamber 
of Commerce, The Longview Community Theater and singing in the 
Barbershop Quartet. He began singing in the choir at age seven and sang 
in the choirs for more than 50 years at St. Anthony and St. Mary's 
Church, where he was a member. Art will be greatly missed and remembered 
for his friendly personality and willingness to help others.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Robert; and 
sister, Margaret Gannett.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Madelyn; daughters, Kathy 
Scott and Mary Ann Corson and husband, Mike; sons, Thomas Sweeney and Pat 
Sweeney and his wife, Shiela; grandchildren, Stephanie Harris, Scott 
Sweeney, G.B. Lawrence, Sunny Sweeney Allen and husband, Brandon, Robin 
Scott, Sara Sweeney, Robert Sweeney, Kristi Hosler and Lane Mills; three 
great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Usher; and 10 nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus, Texas Lions 
Camp, Texas Home Health Hospice or to a charity of choice.

Pallbearers will be Robert Sweeney, Trevor and Tyler Renfrow, Lane Mills, 
Mike Corson and Brandon Allen.

A rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. this evening, May 15, 2007, at the Rader 
Funeral Home Chapel, 1617 Judson Road. Visitation will follow.

A memorial guestbook may be signed at www.raderfh.com.

Published in the Longview News-Journal on 5/15/2007.