Arthur Edwin Tidwell

Arthur Edwin Tidwell, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, peacefully entered into eternal rest on December 16, 2023. Art, born on August 19, 1932, in Edinburg, Texas, was the third of five boys born to Charles and Vera Tidwell. The Tidwell family experienced frequent relocations during Art's early years due to Charles' work as a surveyor. In 1941, while living in Austin, Art witnessed the Texas Longhorns' triumphant victory over Oregon with a score of 71-7 on the day before the U.S. entered World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The Tidwell family eventually settled in Pittsburg, Texas, where Art graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1950. Throughout high school and college, Art excelled in boxing, reaching the state tournament multiple times and securing the Golden Gloves Championship in one memorable year. After graduation, Art pursued higher education at East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas, where he joined the ROTC. Following his graduation, Art was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force, where he piloted B-47s and B-52s during a distinguished nine-year career. Notably, Art was flying B-52s with nuclear weapons aboard over the Mediterranean Sea during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.

Following his time in the service and a brief stint as a commercial airline pilot, Art relocated to the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, where he dedicated himself to education as a teacher in the San Benito School District. For many years, he taught adult education and vocational programs, positively impacting the lives of countless students. He later earned a master’s degree in education from Texas A&I University.

Art’s brother, Don, who was a teacher at Mercedes High School, introduced Art to his future bride, Livia "Libby" Garcia. The couple married in 1967 and established their home in San Benito, Texas, where they raised their two children, Wesley and Laurel.

Throughout his life, Art indulged a love of the outdoors. He was an avid golfer, hiker and camper, regardless of weather conditions. In addition to exploring many destinations away from home, he was even known on occasion to pitch a tent in his back yard when the weather got cold.

In 1992, Art retired from teaching and devoted much of his newfound free time to improving his golf game. He could often be found at Tony Butler Municipal Golf Course in Harlingen, as well as many other courses across South Texas. He and Libby, both lifelong sports fans, could often be seen and heard cheering for the Texas Longhorns, TCU Horned Frogs, Dallas Cowboys, and indeed most any team they had the chance to watch.

In 2006, Art and Libby began a new chapter of their lives, moving to Denton, Texas, to be nearer to their children. Together, they embarked on numerous adventures, exploring 34 countries and immersing themselves in different cultures. Art continued to pursue his love for golf at Robson Ranch until the effects of glaucoma left him unable to play. In his later years, Art experienced a spiritual awakening and was baptized on January 30, 2022, embracing his faith with unwavering devotion.

Rarely seen without his beloved Texas Longhorns cap, Art was a proud Texan through and through. He cherished his family and was preceded in death by his loving wife, his parents, and his brothers Ed, Charles, Don, and Clarence. Art leaves behind a legacy of love and strength, forever remembered by his son Wesley, daughter Laurel, and son-in-law Scott Faciane. He will be deeply missed by his cherished grandchildren, Grace Faciane and William Elias, who brought immense joy to his life.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home, 1400 W Highway 77, San Benito, Texas.  A memorial service will begin at 3:00 o'clock Thursday afternoon.  Burial will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park, 26170 State Highway 345, San Benito.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Glaucoma Research Foundation at glaucoma.org in memory of Arthur Tidwell.