Arthur Emmett Storer

AIKEN, SC - Arthur (Art) E. Storer, 82, beloved husband of Ara Storer, passed away Thursday, May 20, at his home.  He passed peacefully with his wife of 37 years and his cherished dog, Benji, by his side.

     Born on Staten Island, NY in 1938, from the age of 9 months Art grew up in a beautiful rural setting in the Adirondack Mountains with his parents and sister Nancy.  It was challenging living in a cabin on a small farm without electricity or running water.  Art learned from his father, a builder, the skills of woodworking and construction, that served him welll throughout his life.  He remembered his youth with great fondness, “I worked hard and played hard”, he said. The farm included a 1923 Fordson tractor and a 1930 Ford Model AA truck, both of which Art lovingly restored and enjoyed for many years as a member of the Model A Club of America in the DC area.  Growing up, Art was loved by his peers and popular in school. He was senior class president in high school, and to this day he is still referred to by classmates as president.

     After college, he served six years of active duty in the Navy as a commissioned officer, attaining the rank of captain, and serving in Vietnam, then 31 years in the Navy Reserves, finishing his Navy career at the Pentagon.  In civilian life he worked in the defense industry supporting Navy programs before retiring to Aiken with his wife Ara.

     Art was a tireless contributor to Aiken and the Cedar Creek community. He led the Cedar Creek Woodworkers Club for many years, and projects throughout Aiken and Cedar Creek reflect his leadership and vision. These include the successful student mentoring program at the Steppng Stones Mission in New Ellenton, constructing Blessing Boxes in Aiken and New Ellenton, cabinets and tables at The Children’s Place, and picnic tables and signs for Equine Rescue of Aiken. Many trail markers in Cedar Creek were made by Art, and he spent time repairing walking bridges, improving drainage along the Cedar Creek trails, building and repairing benches and assisting neighbors with any number of projects. He was also a member of the Road Warriors and frequented a local shooting club.

     Art was actively involved in veteran’s causes. He served as Vice President and President of the Aiken County chapter of the Military Officers Association.  He worked with the American Legion and the USO to help veterans and active-duty military members in Aiken and Columbia. 

     Aiken and Cedar Creek are richer because of Art Storer. All who met him were touched by his generosity, his compassion, and his willingness to help others. Please remember him with respect and admiration for all he accomplished in his life and his contributions to the community.

     Art is survived by his wife of 37 years, Ara, his stepchildren, Martin Robinson, Rebecca Kushner (Steven), Felise Robinson (Dennis Ruth); two grandchildren, Jillian and Jake Kushner; a sister-in-law, Carol Walter (Benjamin – deceased); niece, Cristen Shepard (Scott); great niece and nephew, Emily and Garrett; and nephew, Cristopher Jensen.

     A Celebration of Art’s Life will be held on Wednesday afternoon, 23 June, at 1 o'clock at Shellhouse - Rivers Funeral Home. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St Judes Children’s Hospital, Boy’s Town, and FOTAS.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC