Arthur (Art) M. Crosthwait, 89, a lifelong resident of Morgan County, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 in Brush. Art was born in Fort Morgan on November 21, 1925 to H. Kennard and Elizabeth (Stroh) Crosthwait. He graduated from Fort Morgan High School in 1943, before joining the U.S. Navy deploying to the South Pacific during World War II. Art served on the LST 559 until 1946. Art married Bernice (Peterson) on May 5, 1946 at the All Saint's Lutheran Church at Eben Ezer. The couple has two children, Ken and John. Art farmed first with his father-in-law, Hans Peterson, and then for several decades alongside his youngest son, John, until retirement. Art has been an active and respected member of church congregations in Morgan County, where he loved to sing, most recently, the Brush Church of the Nazarene. He is also a member of the Brush Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2551. A return to the South Pacific to build a church in the Philippines, ship reunions with the Navy LST 559 crew, a family visit to England to see the Crosthwaite church, and a trip to Washington D.C. with Honor Flight Northern Colorado were highpoints for Art. Growing in years allowed Art to recognize new ways to be a supportive community member. He was influential in the development of the Brush senior center. Most recently, Art lent his experience and compassion as a volunteer to Hospice of the Plains. Art had a lifelong love of horses, dogs, and birds, but more importantly loved people. Never a homebody, he enjoyed visiting neighbors and having coffee with friends. The joy and love of his life was his family, to whom he bestowed his love of God, community, and living creatures. Art is survived by Bernice, his beloved wife of 69 years; two sons, Ken (Gloria) of Austin, Texas, and John (Brenda) of Brush; five adoring granddaughters, Crystal (Daniel) Perry, Heidi (Joe) Krothe, Rebecca Crosthwait, Erin (Matt) Nowland, and Sara (Philip) Wang; and nine great grandchildren, Aidan, Blade, Brynn, Parker, Carly, Calvin, Carter, Silas, and Reagan. Art was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service to celebrate Art's life will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at 2pm at Brush Church of the Nazarene, 500 Cameron St., Brush. A private family burial will precede the service. The Crosthwait family wishes to extend a special thanks to the caring staff at Eben Ezer. Memorial donations may be made to Brush Church of the Nazarene building fund or the Honor Flight Northern Colorado C/O Heer Mortuary, 222 Cameron Street, Brush, CO 80723.