Arthur Anthony Rockers, 83, a devoted family man and lifelong resident of St. Martins, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, surrounded by the love of his cherished family.

He grew up in St. Martins and spent his entire life there. Remarkably, he lived his adult years just 100 yards from the place where he was born, the elementary school he attended and his church.  Born on September 27, 1941, in the St. Martins home of his parents, Clarence A. and Rose (Ihler) Rockers, Art was the seventh of eight children.  He attended St. Martin elementary school and was a 1959 graduate of Helias Catholic High School.  As a young man, Art worked at Luetkemeyer Grocery & Gas where he met the love of his life, Judith “Judy” Seaver.  They were married at St. Martin Catholic Church on April 15, 1961 and recently celebrated 64 years of marriage.

A hardworking and enterprising man, Art spent 35 years with Von Hoffman Press.  Never one to sit still and never afraid of hard work, while employed full-time, he also hauled milk for Ralph Eiken and owned and operated his own backhoe business.  After leaving Von Hoffman, he worked for Pay Way feed store for another 10 years.

Art was deeply committed to his Catholic faith and community.  He served as Past President of the Parish Council at St. Martin Catholic Church. Later, he helped maintain the parish grounds with pride and care. He was a 3rd Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council 7194.   Art actively participated with Boy Scout Troop 12 for over 15 years.  His devotion to the Boys Scouts helped positively develop the lives of many young men.  For his service and dedication, he was honored with the St. George Award, presented to adults who have made significant contributions to using the Scouting program as a Catholic youth ministry.

A man of action and community vision, Art played a key role in incorporating the City of St. Martins.  He was appointed by Judge James T Blair as the city’s first West Ward Alderman.  He also served as its first Street Commissioner.  In addition, he contributed to local infrastructure as an original member of Public Water District #3.  He was instrumental in helping develop and design the St. Martin Baseball diamond.

When not working or volunteering, Art found peace and joy in the outdoors.  Whether hunting, fishing, or cooking up a feast – fried fish, succotash, BBQ chicken or funnel cakes – he brought people together through food and fellowship.  His happiest moments were spent surrounded by his friends and family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lit up his life.

Art was known for his many words of wisdom, fondly remembered across three generations.  He lovingly called his own children “Works of Art.”  He firmly believed that  there is “A place for everything and everything in its place.” When negotiating with others he would say remember that sometimes, “Smart people act dumb and dumb people act smart.”  His moral words of wisdom include many; however, this was one of the best, “The truth hurts a little while, lies last forever.”

Survivors include his wife, Judy of St. Martins; four children, Jacquelyn Sue “Jackie” (Jay) Coakley, Kathy Leigh (Bob) Jarman, Paul Anthony (Tina Wibberg) Rockers and Philip Ray (Trish) Rockers, all of Jefferson City; fifteen grandchildren, Leslie (Michael) Philbert-Torres, Ashley Philbert, Megan (Brad) Cook, Chelsea Wright, Gregory (Victoria) Jarman, Jeffrey(Hannah) Jarman, Jennifer Jarman, Hayden Rockers, Noah (Taylor) Rockers, Grant (Miranda) Rockers, Miles Rockers, Jessi (Zack) Kempker, Dakota (Rebecca) Libbert, Bryar Boeckmann and Lexi Boeckmann; twenty nine great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Rockers of Jefferson City; brother-in-law, Russell (Gayle) Seaver of Springfield, MO and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; seven siblings, Martha Giesing, Clarence W. (Julianne) Rockers, LaVerne Tyree, Dolores (Ralph) Hentges, Richard Rockers, Ruth Rockers and Marcella (Freddie) Crocker; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Beulah Seaver; sister-in-law, Leorae (Clyde) Korsmeyer; nieces, Mary Carol Schmid, Clarice Benke and Becky Korsmeyer.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 29, 2025 at St. Martin Catholic Church from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Mark Porterfield officiating. Burial will be in St. Martin Catholic Cemetery.  Services will be livestreamed through the church’s Facebook page.

Memorials may be directed to St. Martin Catholic Church or Central Missouri Hospice.

Trimble Funeral Homes-Jefferson City is assisting our family with arrangements. trimblefunerals.com