Walter A. MacArthur's Obituary
Rev. Walter A. MacArthur died peacefully on Feb. 6, 2007 in Des Moines, Washington. He was born on May 12, 1916, in Billings, Montana to William and Ruth MacArthur. Walter had a twin brother and three sisters. The family relocated to southern California where Walter was raised. After graduation from high school he attended Long Beach City College studying art and architecture. Along the way he made a decision to pursue a life in Christian ministry. Walter then attended Los Angeles Pacific College where he met his future wife. On July 20, 1938, he married Thelma Marie Lehman of Chino, California and they traveled together to McMinnville, Oregon, to continue his education at Linfield College.While attending Linfield he served as pastor of the Sherwood, Oregon, Methodist Church. Following graduation they moved to Illinois where Walter attended Garrett Theological Seminar and earned a MasterÂ's Degree in Divinity. He later received an honorary doctorate from the University of Puget Sound.As an ordained Methodist, Walter served churches in Hermiston and Roseburg, Oregon, Twin Falls, Idaho, and Olympia and Spokane, Washington. He also served as District Superintendent for the Tacoma District of the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference.Throughout his ministry, his artistic talents played a major role. His chalk-talks, stained glass designs, mosaics, silk screens, and wood carvings are enjoyed by congregations in many churches throughout the Northwest.Walter was preceded in death by his twin brother William and sister Marian. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Thelma; son Jon (Cindy); daughter Janet Montgomerie (James); sisters Meredith Platt, and Merle Gaston. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
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