Col. David W. Arthur, USA, (Ret.)

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Celebrating the life of
Col. David W. Arthur, USA, (Ret.)December 11, 1942 - August 03, 2016

Because I could not stop for death/He kindly stopped for me; The carriage held but just ourselves/And Immortality. David William Arthur peacefully received his final promotion to Glory on Wednesday, August 3, 2016. Dave was born December 11, 1942 in Yonkers, New York, the third child and only son of Doris and John Arthur. He grew up in Westport, Connecticut, graduating from Staples High School in 1960 and enlisting in the U.S. Army shortly thereafter. He served briefly as a sound ranging artilleryman in Korea before earning an appointment to the United States Military Academy Prep School and, upon graduation, to the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating with the class of 1966 as class vice president and the first cadet commander of the then-newly formed Fourth Regiment of the Corps of Cadets.

He served as an Army Infantry officer for 27 years, including two tours in the Republic of Vietnam as a rifle company commander and an advisor to a battalion of Vietnamese Rangers. His military awards include, among others, a Silver Star, Bronze Stars with third oak leaf cluster and “V” device, and a Soldiers Medal. He returned to West Point to serve as a Tactical Officer mentoring cadets, then served in command and staff positions in Colorado, Germany, Georgia, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and finally at the Pentagon, from which he retired.

He continued to influence students after his time in the Army by teaching mathematics for ten years at Brooke Point High School in Stafford, Virginia, where he was also the boys’ soccer head coach and an assistant coach for the boys’ basketball team.

Dave enjoyed poetry and music: those who had the good fortune to witness it will remember him reciting lines from Robert Service, Rudyard Kipling, or Robert Frost; slyly crooning a version of “Have Some Madeira, M’Dear?”; or channeling “Professor” Harold Hill to rail against the evils of pool to a living room of guests. He had a competitive spirit and excelled as an athlete in his younger days; held unending love for family and friends; and drew quiet strength from his deeply rooted personal faith.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, John and Doris Arthur and by his first wife, Joan, who died in 1976. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Tam; two sisters, Meredith Quarrier of Bloomfield Hills, MI and Eleanor Raybold of Houston, TX; son David of Atlanta, GA; daughter Paige and husband Josh of Brooklyn, NY; son Joshua and wife Julie of Philadelphia, PA; and grandsons David, Jasper, and Frederick. He remained gentle, loving, and giving in spite of the dementia that shaped his last years, and he will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.

The family thanks Comfort Keepers of Savannah and Spanish Oaks Retreat and Hospice for their care and kindness. There will be a celebration of Dave’s life at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Skidaway Island at 11:00am on Wednesday, August 10. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, those interested consider donating in his memory to Spanish Oaks Retreat and Hospice, the Alzheimer’s Association of America, the West Point Association of Graduates, or the charity of your choice.

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

A great officer and gentleman, he shall be missed by many. Thank you, Dave. You are now in His everlasting arms.

- Carl Horn, Prosperity, SC

Tam my sweet friend and family, Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your great loss of Dave. We as Christians know he is with his Lord and Savior and now he can watch over you in ways not possible before. You have been his love and faithful companion and his helpmate throughout all you've both endured during your earthly trials. Now you may rest peacefully knowing he is at peace. My God give you all his grace and mercy during your time of great sadness and loss of your sweet husband and father.

- Patti Turner, Savannah, Ga

Dave will be deeply missed. He was a great person and friend. We will forever remember his reciting of "Have Some Madeira, M'Dear?" Our thoughts and prayers are with the Family.

- NANCY AND FRANK ZUGEL, SAVANNAH, GA

My condolences to the Arthur Family on the passing of your loved one. May Jehovah God grant you his peace while you await the fulfillment of his promise at John 5;28 [to resurrect those who have been asleep in death]. May fond memories of John linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days to come

- Henry , Lawrenceville , GA

If you knew Dave Arthur you would know that there are not enough words in the English language to describe what an outstanding person he was. I will always remember the positive influence he had on me from the day I met him at West Point 50 years ago. As many have said, there never was a "neater" person than Dave. He will be missed by all that ever knew him. Bob Kesmodel, Miami Beach, FL

- Robert Kesmodel, Miami Beach, Florida

Final peace and rest for a well-deserved husband, father, soldier and brother. Dave Arthur was the epitome of all these things and more. He was a great leader, mentor and one of the most caring men I know. And how in the world he had time to iron his skivvies so that everything lined up perfectly is beyond me. He would always laugh and offer to teach me to iron my underwear when I told him that he made me look bad becasue he was so neat. Everything he did was to a higher standard. Rest in peace, Dave; your work on earth has run; you have earned this classmate's and the Lord's, Well Done! Be thou at peace.

- Bob Seigle, Pawleys Island, SC

Dave, what an outstanding contribution to your country and to all of those you touched. Well done! Be thou at peace. Bob

- Bob Hammond - West Point Class of 1966, Chadds Ford, PA