Arthur R. “Art” “Tinky” Villhard, Jr., age 71, of Cahokia Heights, IL, born on November 6, 1954, in St. Albany, NY, died on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Belleville Memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL.
Arthur was a loader for Burklund Distributing in Fairview Heights, IL. He was a volunteer fireman and very active for Midway Fire District, and previously with O’Fallon Volunteer Fire Department. He also worked for the Salvation Army in East St. Louis, IL, and for Sports Services at Busch Stadium and Edward Jones Dome. He loved model railroads and trains in general. He was an avid fan of Hawaii 50 TV Show and loved the theme song. His final message was always “Go to your room”.
Arthur is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Raymond Sr, and Mary Ann, nee Pensch Villhard; his paternal grandmother, Lucille Rose Smith.
He is survived by his siblings, Brian L. Villhard of O’Fallon, IL, Richard A. Villhard of Belleville, IL, and Kay Lynn (Anthony) Martinez of San Antonio, TX; his cousin, Marciana Donnelson of Troy, IL; his close friend, Dave Easton of Millstadt, IL, and many brother firemen and friends.
Memorials are preferred to Brett’s First Responders, 517 South Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with a firefighter walk through at 11:40 a.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.
Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by a Fire Department Bell Service on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL., with Rev. Phillip Easton officiating. Interment will be in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Fairview Heights, IL.
