Artis was born to the union of Thomas and Lorenza Yancey on December 25, 1959 in Gary, IN. Artis was the sixth of seven children. He graduated 1978 from Waukegan East High School. Artis obtained a Bachelor Degree – Northeastern Univ. (General Studies) ~ Masters in Criminal Social Justice from Lewis University ~ Certificate - Northwestern center for Public Safety ~ Certificate – Harvard John F. Kennedy School of government Executive Education, Boston, MA ~ Ill Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute ~ Police Executive Role in the 21st Century ~ Police Officer of the Year 2002 (Given by the Exchange Club of Waukegan) ~ Lion’s Club Member ~ Community Action Project –CAP of Waukegan (Member) ~ Waukegan Township HBCU College Tour (Member). Artis was FBI National Academy Graduate in Quantico, Virginia, Northwestern University Police Staff and Command Executive Management Graduate, and a lifelong Waukegan resident was one of his proudest accomplishments.
Artis had faith in God and loved his family. He was baptized April 1, 1984. He had great pride and faith in the police department and a love of his community.
During his 21-year police career that included stints as a detective, community police officer, supervisor of the detective bureau, he served eight years as deputy chief and was appointed chief by then-mayor Richard Hyde in January 2009. After retiring from the department in July 2010, he was appointed coroner in March 2011. In April 2013, he won election as Waukegan City Clerk.
Artis leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Tamara Yancey, step-daughter Kiesha; four children Lauryn, Jordan, Delaney and Delacey Yancey; brother Melvin (Phyllis) Yancey of Gary, IN; sisters Margree (Randolph) Danner of Bridgeport, MI, Velvin Faye (Alvin) Harper of Aurora, CO and Ardrene Yancey of Waukegan, IL; Ossie Green Sr., father-in-law Coleman Moore and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Lorenza Yancey; siblings Thomas Yancey Jr. (Florence Loriane Yancey) and Joy Ann Green-Yancey.
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