Arthur "Arty" Auvil's Obituary
Arthur Ace Auvil was welcomed into the world on April 25, 2024 in Decatur, IL by parents Joseph and Megan Auvil, and big sister, Ellie. From day one, Arty had the kindest eyes, sweetest soul, and an incredible strength. He spent five precious weeks at home with his family before his hospitalization, where, despite multiple physical challenges, he lived life to the fullest until August 1, 2025 when he went home to be with Jesus at fifteen months old.
In his short but impactful life, he brought immense joy to all who knew him and was truly surrounded by love. He was cared for daily by his parents, visited often by two sets of loving grandparents, aunts, uncle, sister, extended family, and friends. He also gained a beautiful family through the care he received from the NICU, PICU, and many specialty teams at St Louis Children’s Hospital.
Arty was a remarkable baby. In spite of his uniquely complex medical issues, he was able to thrive. Arty was full of joy, outgoing, playful, and talkative. His favorite activities were making friends in the hallway, going for walks around the hospital, riding his “horse”, playing with his toy musical instruments, and training his nurses to have cold pacifiers on demand. He never met a stranger and always had a way of telling you what he wanted. No matter what obstacle was put in front of him, Arty rose to the occasion with a smile on his face and fire in his heart.
Arty lived well beyond any expectation set for him, and every day was truly a gift.
The Auvil Family will be welcoming guests in visitation from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, August 15th, 2025, at Renaissance Church in Decatur. A celebration of Arty’s life will take place at 10:30 am on Saturday, August 16th, 2025, also at Renaissance Church. Afterward, he will be laid to rest in Graceland Cemetery.
Special thanks are extended to the medical, nursing, and support staff at St Louis Children’s Hospital NICU, PICU, and the various specialty teams that cared for him, especially the Renal team that saw him every day.
In lieu of flowers, the family urges donations be made in Arty’s honor to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of St Louis, where they were generously housed for the duration of his hospitalization.
What’s your fondest memory of Arthur?
What’s a lesson you learned from Arthur?
Share a story where Arthur's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Arthur you’ll never forget.
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