September 17, 1928 – June 25, 2022
James “Bud” Arthur, 93, Westfield, and formerly of Sheridan and Lebanon, passed away on Saturday afternoon, June 25, 2022, at Compassus Hospice of Indianapolis. Born on September 17, 1928, in Hamilton County, he was the son of the late Arley Ross and Ruby (Fesmire) Arthur.
After graduating from Sheridan High School with the Class of 1947, Bud hired on with Delco Remy for a short period of time before the joining the United States Army and proudly serving his country during the Korean War. Upon his return from Korea, he went to work as a lineman with Indiana Bell and remained with the company until his retirement in 1991.
Bud was a member of the Sheridan First United Methodist Church, a 62-year member of the Sheridan Masonic Lodge #309, a 32nd Degree Mason with the Grand Lodge of Indiana, as well as a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis and Murat Temple Shrine.
Bud may have been a lineman by trade, but he was a farmer at heart. He loved raising sheep and was very well known for his shearing prowess. He also raised chickens, as well as quail and pheasants, which he always released when the time came. Bud enjoyed gardening very much, and he even took up beekeeping to help his garden flourish.
When he had the time, Bud enjoyed traveling, with Branson being one of his favorite destinations. No matter the length of the trip, there was always time to visit a casino. Bud also made sure his schedule was never so busy that he couldn’t get in some occasional fishing.
Family was always first and foremost in Bud’s mind and heart. He loved sharing the fruits of his labor with those he loved, especially around the holiday season – giving notes such as “your gift this year consists of one dressed hen” to family members at Christmas. Another tradition that Bud held dear was hosting the Arthur family bonfire and cookout every fall. And through his collection of writings, poems, and pictures, Bud was able to share his wisdom, compassion, and strong faith with those he loved most in this world.
Bud is survived by his brother, Carl Arthur (Lillian) of Costa Rica; and 18 nieces and nephews, along with their spouses and children.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Paul Arthur; five sisters (and brothers-in-law), Patty Elger and husband Noel “Curly” Elger, Elizabeth Burton and husband Phil Burton, Joan A. Perkins and husband Ron Perkins, Carol Henderson and husband Richard Henderson, and Marietta Pesel and husband Harry Pesel; nieces, Nancy Burton Gay and Glenna Henderson Roudebush; and nephew, Mitchel Carl Henderson; and by his longtime friend and companion, Carolyn Veach.
Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 1, 2022, with a Masonic Service being conducted at 12:30 p.m., at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the Masonic Service. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Summit Lawn Cemetery in Westfield. Pastor John Meunier will be officiating.
Throughout Bud’s life he faithfully donated to numerous charitable organizations. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be presented to Compassus Hospice, Wheeler Mission, Sheridan’s Biddle Park, the American Cancer Society, or to the charity of your choice.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com