Arthur "Art" Arnold Brokaw

Arthur Arnold Brokaw, 90, of Matthews went home to be with the Lord on March 12, 2016. Art was born July 8, 1925 in Hawthorne NJ to the late Arthur Arnold and Nellie Vanden Berg Brokaw. After graduating from Hawthorne High School in 1943, Art enlisted in the Army Air Corp on June 25, 1943. He served in the European Theatre of Operation during WWII as a fighter pilot. Upon return, he attended Susquehanna College and then learned the building trade from his uncle. He later met his future wife, Marion DeRocker, at the Youth Group of Hawthorne Gospel Church. Art and Marion were married on April 23, 1949 and lived in Hawthorne where they raised their three boys.

Art was very active in the community. He established Home Supply Company in 1960, served on the school board, was a Commissioner of the Borough of Hawthorne for over 20 years, an active member of the Rotary Club, a home builder and later a successful Real Estate Agent. Art went back to school and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Edison State College in 1983. He was an active member of Hawthorne Gospel Church where he taught Sunday School and served on the church board. He retired and moved to Charlotte, NC in 1996 to be closer to his family. Marion passed away on June 8, 1999, but the Lord blessed Art when he met Joan Dougherty at Christ Covenant Church. They were married on March 25, 2000, and spent almost 16 years as husband and wife, where they were able to travel, go on mission trips and enjoy their mutual love of singing.

He was most recently an active member of First Baptist Church-Matthews where he taught Sunday School and served in many other capacities.

Art is predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Marion DeRocker Brokaw; sister, Shirley Brokaw Genader and step-son, Thomas Dougherty. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Joan Dougherty Brokaw; three sons; Glenn (Sandy) Brokaw, Keith (Arlene) Brokaw and Scott (Marge) Brokaw; granddaughter, Melissa (Dan) Curlin; grandsons, Craig (Laura) Brokaw, Tim Brokaw, Mark Brokaw, Michael (Rachel) Brokaw, Jeff (Liz) Brokaw, Chris (Hope) Brokaw, Sam Brokaw and Peter Brokaw; 8 great grand-children; step-daughters, Jackie (Bryce) Rockman and Joy Lukenbill and step-son, Matthew (Renee) Dougherty.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Art's life will be on Wednesday, March 16 at 11 am immediately followed by a visitation/reception at McEwen Pineville Chapel 10500 Park Road, Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to First Baptist Church-Matthews 185 S Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105.

Online condolences may be left at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.