Joseph A. McArthur's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Joe McArthur of Mattoon, formerly of Charleston, passed into eternal life on Thursday, August 4, 2016, after a long, valiant battle with early onset Alzheimer's disease. Joe is survived by his wife Bonnie, his son Jonathan (Allison) McArthur of Centreville, Virginia; and his daughter Rachel (Seth) Hubbard of Richmond, California; three granddaughters, Katherine and Natalie McArthur and Sloane Hubbard. Also surviving are his mother, Evelyn McArthur of Charleston; brother Terry of Biddeford, Maine; and sisters, Candy Robinett (Jerry) of Jefferson City, Missouri; Angela McArthur of Memphis, Tennessee; and Lucinda McArthur of Peoria, Illinois. In addition, he is survived by his in-laws, Lowell and Irene Fansler of Fairfield, Illinois; Judy (John) Frazier of Louisville, Kentucky; Susan (Martin) Wells of Clayton, North Carolina; and Mary (Wilford) Musgrave of Fairfield, Illinois. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his father, G. A. "Andy" McArthur. Joe was born in Charleston, Illinois, on September 5, 1954, to Andy and Evelyn (Shobe) McArthur, the second of five children. He grew up working alongside his father and brother Terry in the family business, McArthur Honda (Motorcycles). He joined band at a young age, and after graduating from CHS, he enrolled at EIU, where he later not only earned a Bachelor of Science degree in music education but also gained an accompanist for life when he met and married his best friend, Bonnie. After an outstanding student-teaching experience with Dick Isenogle, he was hired in 1975 as Mattoon's first elementary band director. He could be seen on his scooter puttering among the six or so neighborhood schools, teaching beginning students in whatever rooms the schools had available, including closets and boiler rooms. When budget cuts forced a RIF, Joe and Bonnie moved to Missoula, Montana, where Joe not only taught elementary and middle school band and general music, but he also played in the Missoula Symphony. In Missoula, Joe fell in love with the West. Already an avid outdoorsman and expert hiker, camper, and canoeist, he also enjoyed hunting and trout fishing with Bonnie. When Jonathan was born, the family returned to Charleston where Joe again worked with Andy and Terry in the motorcycle business, taking a break from teaching but still being active as a church musician and a member of EIU's orchestra. During this time he was elected as Charleston Rotary Club's president, following in both his grandfather's and father's footsteps. When his mentor, Boy Scout leader, and friend, John Daum, retired from Charleston Jr. High School in 1988, Joe started a new chapter and became a beloved teacher and colleague in Community Unit #1. During his 22-year tenure in the district, Joe simultaneously taught at CHS four years, collaborating with Bonnie on AFS Concerts, Madrigal dinners, and solo and ensemble contests. At the invitation of former governor Jim Edgar, Joe coordinated efforts, along with much community support, to prepare and lead the Charleston Marching Trojans in the 1996 national Independence Day parade in Washington, D. C., as Illinois' sole representative band. A man of many talents, Joe was an outgoing, friendly person and wanted to try most anything at least once, whether it was scuba diving or needlepoint. He earned Eagle Scout and attended three jamborees, the last in 2010 as Bicycle Transportation Coordinator. In 1990 he returned to EIU and earned a Master of Science followed by a Specialist Degree, both in Educational Administration, earning the Warner Presidential Award. In 1994 he was the recipient of Education is the Key Award. After retirement in 2009, he volunteered at Douglas Hart Nature Center and with Boy Scout Troop 141 in Charleston. Joe was foremost a man of faith and family. He professed his trust in Jesus Christ at age 13 and was active in church and faith-based activities his entire life. He very much loved his immediate family, cherishing moments with the children and grandchildren at every opportunity, reveling in all the journeys and trips they made together, but he also loved and enjoyed being with extended family and close friends who seemed like family. After his children married and started families of their own, his love for them grew even stronger as he recounted to others their many successes and accomplishments. His children are indeed his proud legacy. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, August 8, 2016 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at the funeral chapel with Pastors John Frazier and Dennis Strawn officiating. Memorials in Joe's name are suggested to Harmony Center (IOOF) in Mattoon, Lincolnland Hospice, First Baptist Church of Mattoon or the Charleston High School Band uniform fund. Joe's family is deeply appreciative of the exceptional care that Joe received from the staff at the Harmony Center and Lincolnland Hospice.Click to view Joe's memorial video. SERVICES Visitation Monday, August 08, 2016 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920 Memorial Service Tuesday, August 09, 2016 10:30 AM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920
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