Arthur W. McClish, 83, of rural Columbia City, died unexpectedly of natural causes at 5:58 a.m. Saturday, August 24, 2024, at his home.

He was born on April 14, 1941, in Ligonier, Indiana, a son of the late Hayes L. and Lillian L. (Hieni) McClish.  He grew up in the Ashley area, where he graduated from Ashley High School in 1959.  He continued his education at Tri-State University, Angola, earning an Associate's Degree in Engineering.

After his graduation, Art worked in VanWert, OH.  In 1972, he moved to Denver, CO, then Montana, Texas, and Michigan.  In 1984, he moved to Columbia City and went to work for Weatherhead.  In 1997, he went to work for Symmetry Medical in Warsaw, retiring in 2011.  He continued to work part-time as needed in the quality department.

On October 11, 1992, he married Susan J. Taylor.  They have always made their home in rural Columbia City.

In his retirement he enjoyed reading and watching old Westerns.  Following his interest in Westerns, he became a fan of rodeos, especially bull riding.  After a daughter introduced him to competitive women's sports, he liked to watch college women's softball and basketball following the games of Notre Dame and Indiana University.  Through the years, he liked to camp in Northern Michigan and was an accomplished cook and baker who made breads.  He is remembered for his exceptional meatloaf and chili.

He was a faithful member of the Columbia City United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; two daughters, Carrie (Terry) Malone of Linton and Joanna McClish (Denice Edeal) of Portland, OR; grandchildren, Benjamin (Sabrina) Darr of Linton, Hannah (Dylon) Green of Brazil, IN and Ian Darr of Indianapolis; four great-grandchildren brothers, Danny (Pat) McClish of Deltona Florida and William (Kathy) McClish of Churubusco; a sister-in-law, Linda McClish of Bluffton and a special friend, Tiffany McFeters, and her mother, Angel Desaranno, both of Fort Wayne.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a brother, Fred McClish.