John McArthur

John Dean McArthur, Jr., age 72, of McCook, NE, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2020, at his home in McCook.

John was born in Stratton, CO, on June 26, 1947, to parents John “Dean” and Velma (Smelker) McArthur.  He was one of six children raised on the family farm in rural Haigler, NE.  John attended school in Laird and Haigler and graduated in the top ten of his class from Haigler High School in 1965.  He then went on to further his education by attending McCook Community College, graduating in 1967.

On June 28, 1968, John married the love of his life, Paula Jean (Jones) McArthur in McCook.  The couple made their home in McCook and were blessed with six children. John worked for NPPD for 38 years.  At the time of his retirement, in 2004, he was a Senior Line Foreman.  Following retirement, John worked for the McCook Housing Authority until 2013.

John enjoyed the outdoors and spent much of his time hunting and camping.  He was a great cook and catered many fundraising and charity events in the area.  John was a member of the Eagles Club and the Plainsman’s Chapter of Pheasants Forever.  He was also President of the Men’s Pool League. He also coached many baseball and softball teams for several years for his children.

John was preceded in death by his father, John Dean McArthur.

Those left to celebrate John’s life include his wife, Paula McArthur of McCook; his six children, Angela McArthur of Houston, TX, John (Lori) McArthur III of Kearney, NE, Jeffrey (Barbara) McArthur of Cambridge, NE, Denise McArthur of Houston, TX, Amanda McArthur of Lincoln, NE, and Rebecca (Jacob) Bauer of Lincoln, NE; his mother, Velma McArthur of Haigler, NE; sisters, Leila Barrett of Benkelman, NE, Meryl McArthur of North Platte, NE and Linda Wiltse of Grand Junction, CO; brothers, Terry (Ella) McArthur of Wray, CO, and Lonny McArthur of Wray, CO; his sixteen grandchildren, Allison (Michael), Marcus, Avery, Tatum, Kora, Ethan, Zachery, Olivia, Kamryn, Aidan, Emily, Cloe, Ava, Kayden, Jaxson, and Briella; two great grandchildren, Avianna and Tavian; and numerous nephews, nieces and extended family members.