GROVES —    Arthur Eugene Hufstetler, 59 of Groves, Texas, died on August 27,2010, at Christus St. Mary Hospital in Port Arthur.

   He was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana to Rosemary and Odis Hufstetler. He was a resident of Groves, Texas for 38 years with his wife Vicky.

   Arthur was a remarkable man. He was a 1968 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. He began work as a machinist with the Kansas City Southern Railroad upon graduation, where his grandfather, father and brother worked. He knew that where his family was, his job would also be. He was drafted into the Vietnam War in 1968 as a member of the United States Army. He received a bronze star for his courageous efforts over seas. He was honorably discharged from the Army when he completed his service in October 1971. He came home to marry his wife, Vicky, for now of 39 years in June 1971. They were soul mates from the beginning and forever will be. Arthur and Vicky together had two daughters, Alicia and Dana, that they loved more than their own lives. Arthur was actively involved in his  children's lives. He was a member of the Port Neches-Groves Band Action Committee for many years. His love was building headdresses and selling them for the band and PTA and attending Friday night football games. Even after his daughters graduated high school, he still continued to be actively involved in the high school band, PTA, and Friday night football games, as well as his daughters' college and professional careers. He never met a stranger, and his charismatic personality will be missed. He worked diligently for the Kansas City Southern Railroad for 42 years, where he was only a mere five weeks from retiring. In his time at the Kansas City Southern Railroad, he was commended for his safety through many awards. He was a member of the American Legion Post in Nederland  and served on the Board of Directors for Kansas City Southern Railroad Credit Union. He was a hardworking, loving, husband, father, and friend. He will be truly missed.

   Survivors include his wife, Vicky Hufstetler of Groves, Texas; two daughters and son in laws, Alicia Hufstetler and Damon Young of Port Neches and Dana and Seth Franke of Nederland; one brother and sister in law, James and Pat Hufstetler of Orange; two sisters and brother in laws, Judy and Johnny Watkins and Dorothy and John Jannise; many nieces and nephews;  Sonny and Patty Wadenpfuhl along with many friends.

   He was preceded in death by his parents Odis and Rosemary Hufstetler.

   Visitations will be on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 1, 2010 in the Thompson Memorial Chapel at Clayton Thompson with Rev. Patrick Hunter, officiating. Burial with Military Funeral Honors will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches.

   Serving as pallbearers will be Damon Young, Seth Franke, Jason Hufstetler, Robert Hufstetler, Dickie Beaumont, George Fecowycz, David Castaneda, and William Franke.