Stephen Donald Arthur

Stephen Donald Arthur passed beyond the veil on April 8th at home at the age of 74. He was born in Harlem, NY on September 14, 1947 to Walter and Gladys Arthur. His family moved to the South Bronx when he was 6. In 1978, he moved to Austin, Texas and met his wife, Sharon, the following year. His life revolved around music and his family. He was an amazing husband, father, Pawpaw, and mentor to many. His other families were the many bands he’s played with over the years, such as Playground, Quiet Fire, Boom Schmock the Lock, Real, Fast Eddie and countless other bands he sat in with. His current projects included Bright Shadow, Greg Fey, and working remotely with Shadow. He did his last show 5 days before his death.

He spent 20 years working at Dell, Inc. in Records Management. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War, which, unfortunately, would take its toll in the last 10 years. He fought through it to the end.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sharon, his sons, Nigel and Dorian, His daughter-in-laws, Casie and Allena, his grandchildren, Maxwell and Gwenyth, his sisters, Lorraine Arthur Ramey and Sheila Alston, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Gladys, and his brothers, Walter, Jr., Andrew and Ronald.

Steve was such a bright light. The path forward without him looks dark now. But, I am sure he will continue to guide his family and friends in the future. There will be no memorial service, he didn’t want that. In a couple of months, after some time to heal, there will be a life celebration for family and friends to celebrate his music and life.