Arthur Anton Backes

Arthur “Art” A. Backes, age 91 of Linn, passed away Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at General Baptist Nursing Home in Linn. 

Art was born July 21, 1927, in Loose Creek, a son to the late Gustave Rudolph and Bertha Elizabeth “Betty” (Orscheln) Backes.

He attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Loose Creek.

Art served proudly in the United States Army from 1945 until 1949.

On May 6, 1950, he was united in marriage to Sophie Frances Kremer at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Frankenstein.  She preceded him in death on March 24, 2002. 

He was employed as a Gas Foreman at Missouri Power and Light and Union Electric for over 40 years retiring in February of 1988. 

Art was a member of St. George Catholic Church and a member of IBEW Local 2 for 70 years.

He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, traveling, gardening, and going to the casino. Art knew no strangers and enjoyed talking and telling stories.  His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Art is survived by: three sons, Gary Backes and his wife Mary of Linn, Jerry Backes and his wife Debbie of Linn, and Terry Backes and his wife Rose of Linn; one daughter, Penny Kleffner and her husband Paul of Jefferson City; one sister, Olivia Ruettgers and her husband John of Loose Creek; twelve grandchildren, Jason Backes, Melissa Massman, Sophie Branson, Zach Backes, Jordan Backes, Jennifer Frank, Kevin Backes, Rachel Kleffner, Ryan Kleffner, Mykala Keyser, Nathaniel Keyser and Myriah Keyser; nine great grandchildren with one on the way; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and spouse of 51 years, Art was preceded in death by: a daughter, Wendy Keyser; a grandson, Fred John Backes; one brother, Al Backes; three sisters, Catherine Bescheinen, Angie Kremer, and Grace Rackers.

Visitation will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 20, 2018, at Morton Chapel in Linn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 21, 2018, at St. George Catholic Church in Linn with Fr. Daniel Merz as the celebrant.  Interment will be in the St. George Parish Cemetery with full Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to St. George Capital Campaign Fund or Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church.