Arthur Lee Beauvais

Arthur Lee Beauvais Jr., "Art," passed away on Friday, November 16, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 12, 1935 in Detroit, son of the late Arthur Lee Sr. and the late Josephine (nee: Machesky) Beauvais. Born and raised in Detroit, Art graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1953. After beginning work with the Briggs Corporation, his job would be put on hold when Art answered the call of his country to serve as a soldier in the U.S. Army. Serving from February 1954 to February 1956. He attained the rank of Private First Class as a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. So it is, with thanks and praise from a grateful nation, that we pay homage to Art for his honorable service and for answering his call with pride and patriotism for America. While in the Army, Art was a grateful recipient of letters that were being sent to him by a very special young lady by the name of Ramona Woolum. The letters were a part of a campaign of support for our boys, but Ramona's letters planted a seed in Art's heart that would ultimately blossom into a loving relationship,…and for a woman of whom he had yet to meet. But meet they did following his return, a courtship that found them growing deeper in love with each passing day, and which ultimately led them to the throes of marriage on March 16, 1957. Together they had two children, Regina and Art, and lived first in St. Clair Shores and later in Warren. Art's return from the war also found him picking up where he left off with the Briggs Corporation, which was later acquired by the Chrysler Corporation. Following a long and distinguished career in the automotive industry, Art's last position with the company was that as Administrative Supervisor of the Chrysler Interior Trim Shop in Highland Park, the position from which he would retire in 1990 after 37 years of dedicated employment.Art loved to travel and did so extensively, usually taking his grandkids along. But he always drove,…you see, he didn't like landing in airplanes since as a paratrooper he never had to! He also owned a cottage in Caseville where he spent much of his time enjoying life. He was an avid reader who was drawn to books on history, particularly automotive history. It may be fair to say that he was a leading national expert on the subject. His personal library at his cottage contained over 1000 volumes. Art's passion for automotive history was fueled by his grandfather, John Machesky, an engineer for the Hudson Motor Company. Art actually owned a fully restored 1947 Hudson as a reminder of his love for the man.Art was a loving husband, father, and a remarkable grandfather. He was the oldest of five siblings, of whom four married and remained in the Detroit area to raise their families. They are a close-knit family that always celebrated holidays and other important life events together. Art loved his extended family, relished the times they spent together, and held close to the memories and moments created to last a lifetime. Many will miss his smile and laugh.Art was the beloved husband of Ramona Jean (nee: Woolum). Dear father of Regina Ann and Arthur Lee III (Wendy). Loving grandfather of Rachelle, Stefan, and Chandler Blachut. Brother of Gabrielle (Noe), Joanne (Romain), and Jerome. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Art was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Sr. and Josephine (nee: Machesky); brother, John and sister-in-law, Jane; and his brothers-in-law, Nathan Noe and Richard Woolum.Visitation for Arthur will be held Monday, November 19th from 4-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren.His Funeral Services, to include Military Honors, will begin at 10:30 am on Tuesday, November 20th and will take place at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at St. Denis Catholic Cemetery in Lexington, Michigan.Memorial donations are welcomed to the Alzheimer's Association, 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 100, Southfield, Michigan 48033…or to www.alz.org.Please share memories of Arthur at his guest book above.