Frank Arthur

Frank Glen Arthur, Jr. was greeted at the pearly gates Monday, February 26, 2018 following an automobile accident in Catawba County. He leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Judy Safriet Arthur, and 4 children from a prior marriage: Diana (Mrs. Jim) Hale of Grants Pass, OR, Don Arthur of Port Angeles, WA, Donna Wige of Gresham, OR, and Debbie (Mrs. Ed) DeVusser of Sawmills, NC, 9 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 5 great, great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Alice (Mrs. Ottis) Hightower, and brother in law Sam Safriet (and his wife Deborah). Born at the family home on 58th Street in Los Angeles, CA on May 8, 1926, he was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Glen Arthur Sr. and Clara Ethel (Fisher) Arthur, his siblings Howard Arthur, Maxine (Mrs. Claude) Mitchell, Donald Arthur and Richard Arthur. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1944 and was assigned to the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron at Clark Air Base in the Philippines just prior to the end of the Pacific War. The 24th CMS assisted with mapping that nation as the last of the Japanese resistance was mopped up. Upon his return stateside, he was first an assembler in the aircraft industry and then joined his father as a baker at the Tastee Bake Shop in Inglewood, CA. where he effectually became the owner and served as such for over 20 years. He married his soulmate and best friend Judy Carol Safriet August 21, 1965 and they settled in Lawndale, CA. Following their move to Lenoir in May 1974, he pursued his life-long passion of automobile mechanics, and worked for the Caldwell County landfill garage for over 15 years servicing, repairing and maintaining the county vehicles. Upon his retirement from the county in January 1991, he and Judy continued to enjoy camping and gold panning on Wilson’s Creek, traveling, and pursuing their ancestral roots, which led to two trips to England with daughters Debbie and Diana. Other interests and hobbies he enjoyed with his wife included: family get togethers, reading, bowling, traveling, genealogy, photography, and a shared love of the outdoors, nature and God’s creatures. Frank was baptized in 1958 and maintained a close walk with His Lord and Savior throughout his life. He and Judy are members of Littlejohn United Methodist Church. He loved to spread God’s Word to anyone he encountered and was never shy about sharing his faith with friends and strangers alike. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Littlejohn United Methodist Church building fund, 4120 Littlejohn Church Rd, Lenoir 28645. A celebration of Frank’s life will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Littlejohn United Methodist Church with Reverend Allen Boliek officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the Church Fellowship Hall with finger foods provided. Evans Funeral Service and Crematory of Lenoir is serving the Arthur family.