Marlene Katherine Lewis Arthurs

Marlene was born in Canton, Ohio on the 18th of June 1931 to her parents, Leroy and Catherine Lewis.  She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Ted G. Arthurs of Miramar Beach, FL; children, Christine L. Bowman of Indialantic, FL, Barbara E. Poole (Russell) of Clayton, NC and Patrick D. Arthurs (Lori) of Auburn, AL; 4 grandchildren, Philip Arthurs (Sarah) of Hoover, AL, Amanda Carlton (Jason) of Indialantic, FL, Sarah E. Arthurs of Auburn, AL, and Valerie Blackman of Clayton, NC; four great grandchildren, Aiden Arthurs, Elizabeth Arthurs, Camden Carlton and Connor Carlton. She is also survived by her sister, Glenda Miller of East Canton, OH and numerous nieces and nephews.  She graduated from Timken Vocational High School and married Ted G. Arthurs of Uhrichsville, Ohio on 23 February 1951 in Bennettsville, SC while Ted was stationed at Ft Bragg, North Carolina.

During Ted’s 30 year Army career Marlene served as the consummate Army Wife raising and overseeing the education and development of the children, through multiple assignments in the U.S. and while stationed over eight years in foreign countries like Japan and Germany.  The family camped throughout Europe in a large French tent which is the source of many fond memories.

During Ted’s absence in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts Marlene did a wonderful job of raising their three children and maintaining the overall welfare of the family. She did so with great strength, honesty, and with a wonderful sense of humor as she taught them to be responsible citizens and treat others by “the Golden Rule” being raised attending Baptist Church and later as members of the Lutheran Faith. 

Marlene and Ted decided to retire and then spent over 8 years working in Saudi Arabia for Northrop Aircraft in the U.S. Military’s “Peace Hawk Program” which trained the Royal Saudi Air Force on America’s  F-5 Aircraft.  Marlene started worked as a clerk in their Procurement Department, eventually becoming their top secretary for over 5 years.

She will be revered as a wonderful Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, loved and respected by everyone in the family.

For the past 31 years they have made their home locally in Miramar Beach, Florida. Friends and relatives may bid their farewell to her at Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 113 NE Racetrack Road, Ft. Walton Beach, Fl., 32547 on Saturday, February 23, 2019.  The viewing and visitation for Marlene will commence at 10:00 a.m. with a funeral service starting at 11:00.  A catered event in the reception room of Davis Watkins will follow the service. 

A formal interment will be conducted at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date to be announced. 

Marlene stated in advance that she would prefer donations be made in her memory to the Wounded Warrior Foundation (woundedwarriorproject.org). 

To share memories, express condolences and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.daviswatkins.com