Arnold E. "Art" Sikes, 87, of 9779 Stout Road died Sunday (March 25, 2007) at home following a long illness.

Born May 7, 1919 in Portville, he was a son of Walter A. and Clara Maples Sikes. On July 14, 1943 he married Ella Mae Hitchcock, who predeceased him on Dec. 11, 1965. He leaves behind a longtime companion, Tina E. Foster.

Mr. Sikes attended school in Portville. He worked for Perry's Ice Cream, the Village of Cuba, Phelps and Sibley, Gramco, Frank C. Resch Genesee Distributing Co., Eade Distributing Co., and Serto Brothers as a truck diver. He worked for Frances Root as an oilfield worker prior to his retirement in November of 1978.

Mr. Sikes was a social member of Cuba VFW Post 2721 and the Staff Sgt. Shawn M. Clemens AMVETS Post 1 of Cuba.

Survivors include a son, Donald L. (Connie) Sikes of Shinglehouse, PA.; three daughters, Sandra L Sikes of Patriot, Ind,. Brenda A. Sikes of Friendship and Rose M. ("Stretch") Lesesne of Ridgeville, S.C.; a sister, Mary Lou "Midge" Morris of Helle Belene, Fla.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and family friends.

He was predeceased by an infant daughter, Carol Ann Burdick; a sister, Marie Burrell; and two brothers, Gerald "Socks" Sikes and Donald "Ducky" Sikes.

There will be no visitation or funeral services. Burial will be in Cuba Cemetary, Cuba at the convenience of the family.

Memorial suggestions include the Cuba VFW Post 2721, Route 305N, Cuba NY 14727; or Home Care and Hospice, 1225 W. State St., Olean, NY 14760.