Arthur J. DeGarmo

Arthur J. "Art Dogg" "A.J." DeGarmo, age 47, of Rantoul, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025. He was born on March 27, 1978, in Denver, Colorado, the son of Kristen (Patterson) Whitaker and Leonard DeGarmo. Arthur married Brandi Humphrey on November 17, 2006, in Paxton. He is survived by his wife, Brandi DeGarmo of Champaign; five children, Dakota DeGarmo, Tammra (Erik) Reck of Loda, Cory DeGarmo (Sara Sowka) of Paxton, and Leland DeGarmo and Kinsley DeGarmo, both of Champaign; and a grandson, Waylon Reck, and another grandchild on the way. He is also survived by his mother, Kristen Whitaker (the late Jim Whitaker) of Paxton; his mother-in-law, Debbie Wheeler of Paxton; his father-figure, Ray Cross of Paxton; his sisters, Alexis (Jay) Nava of Paxton, and Sabrina DeGarmo of Bloomington; a stepbrother, Jimmy Whitaker of Hoopeston; and many nieces, nephews, and loving in-laws. He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard DeGarmo. Arthur loved being with his kids and never missed a chance to cheer them on in all sports. He enjoyed painting his daughter Kinsley's nails, cooking, camping, listening to rap music, and cheering for his favorite team, the Chicago Bears. Always adventurous and full of jokes, he brought laughter and love wherever he went. A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., at Cox-Knapp Funeral Home in Paxton. A time for food and fellowship will follow on Sunday, from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., at Cobblestone Hotel in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to assist with funeral expenses may be made directly to Cox-Knapp Funeral Home, 142 West Patton Street, Paxton, IL 60957.