Paul David Arthur was born to Lucille Clara (McGannon) Arthur and Herman Francis Arthur on June 17, 1936 in Rushville, Nebraska. He was raised in Chadron and Rushville, graduating from Assumption Academy in Chadron in 1954. Paul grew up learning about automotive repair in his father’s shop and worked for the family business in young adulthood.

A mutual friend introduced Paul to Mary Agnes McGowan in January of 1961, and on October 28, 1961, they were married, making their home in Chadron. In 1965, they moved to Springfield, SD, where Paul was a teaching assistant at Southern State College, earning a degree in Vocational Education in 1967. After he taught a year at Southern State, they moved to Ankeny, Iowa, and Paul worked for the Department of Public Instruction in Des Moines. In 1969, they moved to Emmetsburg, Iowa where Paul taught auto mechanics at Iowa Lakes Community College for the next ten years. During these years, Paul and Mary had five children.

In 1980, Paul and Mary fulfilled their dream of living nearer the Black Hills by moving the family to Rapid City, South Dakota, where Paul dedicated the remainder of his career in vocational education at Western Dakota Technical College.

Paul’s Catholic faith was of utmost importance to him, and he was very involved in every parish they lived in. He served as a lector, minister of the Eucharist, and sacristan, including the Spanish language Mass at Blessed Sacrament. He also served on the parish council and several committees. Paul assisted Mary when she began the JustFaith program at Blessed Sacrament, which deepened his commitment to serving and advocating for the least among us. He also served on the Diocesan Social Justice Commission. He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus.

Also of great importance to Paul was family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and cousin to many. Family gatherings were a priority, and his children remember many fun vacations and camping trips in the Black Hills, Chadron State Park, and other beautiful places. He loved to garden and kept bees for many years. Like his father, he was skilled in woodworking and created many gifts for his family and generously donated his labor to his parish and other causes.

Paul is survived by Mary, his wife of 63 years, his children Paulette (Tom) Chapman, Mark Arthur, Janet (Kevin) Doyle, Alice Arthur, and Tim (Jenelle) Arthur. His grandchildren are Justin (Nicole) Doyle (children Lyla, Lillian, and Everly), Eathan (Meghan) Doyle (children Julia and Holly), Kelsey, Michael, and Katie Chapman, and Owen and Ian Arthur. Paul is also survived by his brother Tim Arthur and sister Patty Nebel, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bernard, sister Mary Jo Marshall, and two infant daughters.

Paul died on February 12, 2025 at Monument Hospice House. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, February 20 at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Rapid City. A vigil service will follow. The funeral Mass is at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 21 at Blessed Sacrament with burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Rapid City. Memorial contributions will be directed to Paul’s favorite charities.