Harry C. Arthur

Harry Arthur was many things to many people, but most importantly, he was a man of faith who more than anything loved his family. As a husband he was lovingly devoted. As a father and grandfather he was ever dedicated and always set a good example for his children to live by. In his eyes, one could clearly see kindness and evidence of his sound character and integrity. A friend to many, it was a pleasure to have known him. He will be dearly missed.

Born during a time of great transition in the nation, the Roaring Twenties challenged America's once conservative nature with an influx of free spirited thinkers. Lighthearted times dominated the American lifestyle while a growth of industry and manufacturing expanded the economy. For Reginald and Hazel (LaMaster) Arthur of Kankakee, Illinois, the times were marked with joy when on July 26, 1924 they welcomed the birth of their son, Harry.

As a young man, Harry faithfully attended Asbury United Methodist Church where Harry came to be a lifelong member. As a youngster he enjoyed boyhood adventures and attended the local schools. His family often traveled to Michigan's northern country for fun-filled vacations in Petoskey enjoying all Little Traverse Bay had to offer. He held fond memories of these carefree days as a child and often recalled how much he loved playing with his aunt's dog, Rexy while there. He went on to graduate from Kankakee High School with the Class of 1942.

From an early age, Harry learned everything there was to know about motors from his beloved grandfather, Emanuel Harrison Arthur. He learned from the best working alongside him fixing motors, which served him well when he began his own business. In time he took a job building B24 bombers, and like many young men his age, Harry was eager to join the fight to defend our country and that of U.S. allies during World War II. A proud Veteran, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from April of 1943 to June of 1946. His primary duties included training pilots on flight simulators using the Link "Blue Box" Pilot Trainers which gained great popularity during the war.

After returning home from the war and settling into civilian life once again, Harry married Charlotte Thorson, a young woman who captured his heart. They happily celebrated vows of marriage on June 6, 1948 at the Norwegian Lutheran Church in Herscher, Illinois before a congregation of family and close friends. Before long they were blessed with the addition of five children they welcomed into their hearts. Gary, Lonnie, Karen, Kevin and Linda were a blessing in their lives. Always the hard worker, Harry provided well for his family while Charlotte made a good home for them. For 55 years, he owned and operated Arthur Motor Works until eventually retiring in 1987.

Family meant everything to Harry and he always placed their needs before his own. As a husband he was respectful, very caring and would do anything for the woman he so loved. He was a wonderful example and a great father towards his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In everything he did, Harry expelled kindness, warmth and a genuine heart. He enjoyed his sons and grandsons sporting events and was a very proud spectator. He also created fond memories with his children and grandchildren which involved bowling, golfing, playing bridge, pool and ping-pong.

Having lived in Kankakee his entire life, Harry was a member of the local Kankakee American Legion, Marine Corp League and the Vintage Squadron. In fact, Harry took part in a World War II honor flight visiting Washington D.C. He also held membership with the Sons of Norway, and was a past member of the Moose Lodge and Confederate Air Force.

Loving, kind, genuine and caring are words to describe Harry Arthur. You could see it in his eyes, especially when surrounded by the family which brought him the greatest joy. He was indeed many things to many people, and that included being deeply loved. Never to be forgotten, his memory lives on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Harry C. Arthur, of Kankakee, Illinois, passed away at Riverside Medical Center at the age of 87 on Thursday, January 12, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte; his children: Gary Arthur of Wickenburg, Arizona, Lonnie (Krisann) Arthur of Bourbonnais, Karen (Dennis) Lard of Denver, Colorado, Kevin (Rhonda) Arthur of Bradley, and Linda Dote of Gilbert, Arizona; grandchildren: Stephanie Arthur, Carl Arthur, Jamie Boswell, Andrea Arthur, Melissa (Jared) Miller, Stacy Arthur, Lindsey (Curtiss) Young, Chad (Stacey) Brower, Jeremy (Angel) Brower, Matthew (Kinley) Brower, Andy (Amy Beth) Brower, Kyle Arthur, Wade Arthur, Alyse Dote, Brad Dote, and Megan Dote; 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Doris (Charles) Birr of Kankakee and Barbara (Earl) Bechard of Bradley; brother-in-law, Arnold (Marilyn) Thorson of Kankakee. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Ruth Hare.

A time of gathering with family and friends will be from 2-6 PM Sunday, January 15, 2012 at the Kankakee Chapel of the Schreffler Life Story Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Monday, January 16, 2012, 11:00 AM at Asbury United Methodist Church, 196 South Harrison Avenue in Kankakee. Harry will lie in state at the church on Monday from 10:00 AM prior to the service. Burial with military rites will be at Kankakee Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Asbury United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a favorite memory and photo with his family and to sign his online guest book.