Arthur David "Dave" Stain's Obituary
Arthur David “Dave” Stain, 88, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away November 23, 2025.
Dave was born in Sullivan, Illinois, on October 6, 1937, the son of Arthur and Helen (Blythe) Stain. He married Jan Crow on February 14, 1964. She preceded him in death on February 8, 1985.
Dave served honorably in the Marines from 1957 to 1959. Following that, he worked for Firestone, where he retired after more than 30 years. He had a passion for taxidermy, which he built into his own business. He enjoyed fishing and trapping, and he shared those skills with others by teaching for the DNR. He was the “Dave” of the famous comic “Timber-Doodles,” which was drawn by his best friend Larry “Buckshot” Wetherholt. Dave was a man of strong faith in God. He was a long-time member of Northwest Christian Church, and later he became a follower of the ministry of Les Feldnick. Most of all, Dave loved his family and cherished every moment he spent with them.
Dave is survived by his daughter Amy Patrick of Decatur; sisters Dee Elson and Joyce (Dale) Bennett; grandchildren Kelley Sean (Judi) Patrick and Killian Arlene (Cody) Patrick-Rueff; great-grandchildren Elowyn, Evander, and Carter; long-time caregiver and cherished friend Lisa Holloway; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jan, son Timothy David Stain, brothers Bill Stain and Dean Stain, sister Florence Walters, and best friend Larry Wetherholt.
Visitation for Dave will be from 4pm to 6pm on Monday, December 1, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. A funeral service will be celebrated at 10am on Tuesday, December 2, also at the funeral home. Burial in Fairlawn Cemetery will follow the service.
Memorials may be directed to Rock Springs Nature Center or Conservation Area. Condolences may be shared with the family at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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