Arthur (Art) Lester Bellile, 85 of Clovis, NM, formerly of Nevada, passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023.

Art was born May 5, 1938, in Hortonville, WI, the son of George Alexander and Esther (Seefeld) Bellile. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged after being injured. On December 8, 1955, Art was united in marriage to Sondra Jean Reynolds in Hortonville, WI. In 1960, Art studied journalism at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon and worked for weekly newspapers from 1958 until 1965. He owned the Radcliffe Signal newspaper until 1970 before going to work for Meredith Publishing and the Register and Tribune as a linotype operator. Art was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying all wildlife, hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed camping and riding motorcycles.

Art was a volunteer fireman at Mt. Vernon, member of the Boy Scouts of America and leader at Sanborn, IA, a member of the D.A.V., Kiwanis, and the Iowa Press Association. He bred, raised, broke and trained Registered Appaloosa horses where he was a member of the Levis and Lace Saddle Club. Art also raised hogs and was a member of the Iowa Hog Association.

Art is survived by his children, Deberah Reynolds of Gilman City, MO, Steve (Michelle) Bellile, and Penny (Michael) Smith of Clovis, NM; his grandchildren, Christopher Krumme, Jonathon Krumme, Daniel (Vera) Bellile, Jacob (Alexa) Bellile, Dylan (Amanda) Bellile, Jordan Bellile, Casey Gradner, Micholyn (Kenny) Gayoso and Joshua Smith; 12 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Leonard (Loretta) Bellile and Vernon Bellile; his sisters, Bonnie Jones and Paula Westphal.

Art was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brothers, George, Robert and Roger (in infancy); and his sisters, Ardys and Verna.

A celebration of Art's life will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2023, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.