Arthur Negre Passes Away

Springfield, MO (July 15, 2019) — Singing News has learned that Arthur Paul Negre, 79, of rural Monett, Missouri, passed from this earthly home to his eternal home in Heaven on Sunday morning, July 14, 2019, while at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

Art was born on July 30, 1939, at the family farm in Monett, son of the late Edgar Henry Negre and Nellie Aretta (Samples) Negre. Growing up south of town, Art attended Bethel Grade School before attending and graduating from Monett High School with the Class of 1957. Shortly after graduating, Art joined and served his country honorably in the Army National Guard. For many years, Art worked as a Bulk Milk Hauler, where he made many friendships with area farmers. He was a member of the Monett Saddle Club, Northwest Arkansas Cavalcade, a Board member for Purdy Schools and was on the Board at Bethel Cemetery. Paralleled with his love for music, Art was a lead singer with Watchmen Quartet, Messenger’s Quartet and Calvary Messenger’s Quartet. For many years, Art also was a song leader for Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church.

Concert promoter Duane Garren shares that Mr. Negre’s group, The Messengers, sang at the first two Brumley Sings at the request of Albert E. Brumley. Pictured at left is the poster from the first sing.

On June 14, 1962, Art was united in marriage to Sandra Sue Spain at Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church. They have been blessed with over fifty-seven years of wonderful memories made together. To this union, two sons were born.

Survivors include his wife, Sue, of the home; his sons, Jeffrey and Jason Negre, both of Monett; his five grandchildren, Jacob, Rachel, Grace, Nathan and Sarah Negre; two sisters, Norma Hilton and husband Leon, of Monett and Marinell Pennell and husband Dewey, of Branson; and two sisters-in-law, Faye Negre, of Longview, WA and Donna Morlan, of Purdy; one brother-in-law, Norman Spain, of Monett; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Art was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Edward Charles Negre.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church, 11057 Farm Road 2060, Purdy, MO 65734. Pastor Lee Neill and Pastor Lee Hickman will be officiating. Interment and military honors will be held at Bethel Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 6-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening. Memorial contributions can made be to Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, 301 Euclid Ave, Monett, MO.