Joseph Burton "Burt" Mcarthur

Joseph Burton (Burt) McArthur, 98, returned to his Lord on April 2, 2015. He was born on March 04, 1917 in Jay, Florida to George and Emma McArthur. Burt, as his many friends and family members knew him, grew up in Jay, Florida and graduated from Jay High School. In high school his favorite sports were football, baseball, and boxing. He grew up on a farm and enjoyed raising crops, helping with the garden, and tending to the animals. He had a great respect and love for his parents, siblings, friends, and his church. The lessons he learned as a child and teenager benefited him thorough out his whole life. He passed those same lessons down to his own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by the way he lived and the many stories he told.

In January 1938, Burt married Gracie Lee Barnes and had four children (Aaron, Jerald, Laurel, and Miriam). Gracie passed away in 1962 and Burt married Rosemary McComb Scott, widow with four children (Anita, Vicki, Judy, and Chris).

Right after high school, Burt learned the trade as a tool and die machinist in Brewton, Alabama. He then utilized these skills in Ohio, Iowa, and Missouri, where he settled with his family. Burt retired from Standard Oil Company in 1981. Retirement became a time for him to relax with his friends from Standard Oil at Friday morning breakfasts, continue his work as a lay minister in his church and community, and to travel the United States with Rosemary.

Burt was baptized at the age of 8 as a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Over the decades, his faith grew and he continued to share his testimonies with others. One way he shared his service was as a volunteer chaplain at Independence Regional Hospital for over 20 years. He loved to visit with patients and their families, providing the simple gift of presence.

Burt was preceded in death by his wives (Gracie and Rosemary), brother (Cal), sister (Wilma), half-sister (Ida), and grandson (Bradley). He is survived by his sister, Laurice Adams; Children, Aaron (wife Karen), Jerald (wife Margaret), Laurel (husband Ralph), Miriam (husband Randall), Anita (husband Dan), Vicki (husband Christopher), Judy (husband Roger), and Chris (wife Beth). He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many other loved ones.

Graveside services will be private. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at 10:30 am, at Good Shepard Congregation Community of Christ, 4314 Blue Ridge Blvd., Indep., MO. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that in his memory he be honored in a fashion he did often, by doing a small kindness for someone else. He will be missed by many for his smile, his stories, his gentle ways, and his love of his family and his Lord.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arr: Speaks Suburban 816-373-3600)