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Obituary For Howard McArthur, Jr.
Howard “Toley” McArthur, Jr. was born in Damascus, Georgia to the late Howard McArthur, Sr. and the late Mamie Ruth (Peterson) McArthur. He was the oldest of six (6) children born to their union. At the early age of 3 they migrated from Georgia to Pennsylvania and settled in Steelton. He was educated in the Steelton and the Steelton-Highspire School Districts until his Junior year of High School when his family moved to Harrisburg. Then he attended the Harrisburg School District and graduated from the former John Harris High School with the class of 1960. During his school years, he played football and was a track star having earned many medals.
Howard accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at the age of 9 at the Beulah Baptist Church in Steelton, PA, where he spent his life serving God and walking in his will. His service included the Trustee Ministry, Transportation Ministry, Sunday School, Discipleship, Bible Study, Gospel Choir, the Billie June Eichelberger Scholarship Committee and the Culinary Ministry. In October, he was honored with having 71 years of membership at Beulah!
A strong work ethic was instilled in Howard from a young age and one of his first jobs was a local paper route. During his working career, he was a short-order cook at Woolworth's, an employee of TRW and Roadway, Inc., from where he retired with over 40 years of service. After two years of retirement, he decided to return to the workforce as a Capital Area Transit Van Driver.
Howard was married to Janie Mae (Jackson) McArthur and this union was blessed with six children; Mark McArthur, Marcy McArthur-Mitchell, Michael McArthur, Marlin McArthur, Milvin McArthur, and Melinda McArthur. In 1999, he married the Love of his Life, Delores Brown McArthur and remained married until his death.
Toley lived life to the fullest and embraced family connection. He loved attending family reunions, talking to his cousins (Oscar, Elsie, and Charles) on the phone, cruising, skilled games, and cooking. He was an avid food shopper, monitoring and finding the best bargains. Most notably, following in his mother’s footsteps, Toley’s food ministry continued up until his passing; preparing dinners weekly for family, friends and church members.
On Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the age of 80 years, Howard peacefully transitioned from this earthly life into eternal life at UPMC Osteopathic Hospital in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with his devoted wife, Delores a.k.a. Brown, at his side. Toley leaves behind a legacy of love and provision for family and generosity towards those he encountered. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Willie “Sonny” McArthur, grandson, Randolph B. Echols II, step-daughter, Sodea A. Brown and brother in-law, Robert McKinney, Jr.
Howard leaves to cherish precious memories of him, his wife, Delores; his four (4) sons, Mark, Michael, Marlin and Milvin McArthur, all of Harrisburg, PA; his three (3) daughters, Lisa Green-Powell (Pete), Marcy McArthur-Mitchell (Myron), both of Harrisburg, PA and Melinda McArthur of Columbus, OH; his two (2) children of the heart, Arnell Hill (Stephanie) and Ranette Hill; his twenty-one (21) grandchildren, Crystal Echols, Nichole Echols, Cherette McArthur, Anthony Powell, all of Harrisburg, PA; Cassandra Mitchell of Atlanta, GA; Sharice Johnson, Shanice Mariluz, Shanell Brown (Lamar), Ashley Carter, Dyllon Miller, all of Harrisburg, PA; Jordan Polk of Salisbury, MD, Sharell Pitts (Doug) of Harrisburg, PA, Marlin Reynolds, Savonna Reynolds of Columbus, OH; Shirley Reynolds, Briana Lane, Rashaun Hill of Harrisburg, PA; Ja-Loni McArthur of Columbus, OH; Mark McArthur of Vauxhall, NJ; Elijah McArthur of Harrisburg, PA and William Jackson of Steubenville, OH; his forty-one (41) great-grandchildren and one (1) great-great grandchild; his two (2) sisters, Mary McKinney and Martha Dean McArthur, both of Harrisburg, PA; his two (2) brothers, Larry McArthur and Randy McArthur, both of Harrisburg, PA; his three (3) brothers in-law, Edward Robinson (Joyce) of Harrisburg, PA, Darryl Murray (Karen) Montecito, CA; Dennis Wallace of Wilmington, DE; his two (2) uncles, Gregory Peterson of Las Vegas, NV and Charles Peterson of Harrisburg, PA; his two (2) aunts, Beverly Piggue of Muskegon, MI and Tammy Peterson of Memphis, TN and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
His life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 20, 2023 in the Sanctuary of his church, Beulah Baptist Church, 100 Livingston Street, Steelton with viewing and visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and burial in William Howard Day Cemetery.
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Patrícia sent Beautiful Dreams for Howard McArthur, Jr. - November 18, 2023
Wishing you comfort and peace as you navigate through this loss. With heartfelt condolences. Patty Branco & Eric Adams
Serene Lily Basket was sent for Howard McArthur, Jr. - November 18, 2023
Flavia sent The Peace Lily for Howard McArthur, Jr. - November 17, 2023
Flavia & KellyAnna Lucas Truly hope you and family have healing and feel peace in your time of grief and loss. Ashley
Red and White Floor Basket was sent for Howard McArthur, Jr. - November 16, 2023
Leslie Baker planted 5 trees in memory of Howard McArthur, Jr. . - December 13, 2023
Rest In Heavenly Peace Uncle Toley 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Love 💕 Laurie McKinney-Stroble and Family
RIP Dad you will be missed. Forever in my heart Love Yo Mitchell!
God bless and my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Howard McArthur. My heart is very from from hearing of the passing of my Uncle and buddy Toley. I am praying for God to comfort the family and friends in the days to come. Look to the Hills where all your comes from. He will never leave or forsaken you all. Ida Cunningham and the Lancaster SC Family.
God bless and my sincere condolences to the McArthur Family. I am praying for God to give you all comfort and strength in the days to come. Loves you all unconditionally. Howard felt very close to me. Loves you all unconditionally.
Our deepest condolences to the family. Howard was part of our family and will be missed. Miss Mamie and the McArthur Family, you are in our prayers. From the Dearing Family.
Our condolences to my dear friend Marcy & Family.
Martha, so sorry for the loss of your brother. Please know that I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Sherry Robison Holloway
Thinking of you and praying for you during this time. I have walked in your shoes, so I know that God and His Son, Jesus will be there to comfort you, even through the pain. I know Howard will save a seat for you at His table. Sending love and prayers, Ken and Nancy Millhouse, Lancaster, PA
My deepest condolences, Delores. Howard was such a wonderful man and brought such pleasure to my Dad over the years through his meals and conversations. He will be missed.
Dear Marcy and McArthur family, my deepest condolences to you all. I have fond memories of frequently running into Toley at grocery stores and chatting about where to find best bargains for meat and cruises...Always a pleasure. He will be missed.
Dear Mary and the McArthur Family, My deepest Sympathies to you and your Families in this difficult time. Keith C. Harden
"Toles" as you were known by me💜 words cannot express my sadness and our (mine an George's) sense of loss. I'm going to miss our chats and how you would call me and shout (hey Mrs. Thomas!!) then laugh handily before continuing! Your stern and straightforward friendship has been a guide for many. Thank you. Their are so many things I'll miss but I'm holding the memories close. Rest my friend.
Family, I remember the day we met in Hampton, VA. Immediately we hit it off. Must be a Cousin thing. My wife Sharon and I send our condolences. I know Howard is resting in the arms of the Lord. May God continue blessing you guys. I pray the Holy Spirit continue providing you peace beyond understanding. Love you guys. Love Herbert and Sharon.
You're in our prayers and have our deepest sympathy, Sam said that he we never forget Toley for selling those good fish dinners!!! Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, and if you need us we are here for you and God bless you and your family🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️ Samuel and Carolyn Selvey
Our Heartfelt Condolences to the Family. Praying to God for strength and comfort.
Rest in peace. Howard left a lasting impact on those who were fortunate enough to know him. In this time of grief, let us not mourn his loss but instead celebrate the incredible life he lived.
Mr. Toley was a wonderful friend to my Dad and Mom, while at Beaulah. I hope he finds Dad in Heaven and they can continue their friendship. He was loved and will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathy to Delores and family on the passing of my friend Howard. May God comfort you.
I'm happy to have had the opportunity to meet Howard and to share some of the important moments in his life. He always welcomed me with a big smile. Blessing to Dee and all of his family and friends. He will be missed.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
