Lt. Col. Arthur V. Harriott, USAF, Retd.

Lieutenant Colonel Arthur “Art” Van Harriott USAF, Retd., 77, of Edmond, Oklahoma was born January 27, 1946, in Rockford, Illinois to parents Jesse and Dorothy Harriott. Art passed on Friday, October 6, 2023, at his home in Edmond, Oklahoma, surrounded by his family.

While working his way through school, Art earned a bachelors in Mathematics from Northern Illinois University, a masters for computer systems management from Webster University in Missouri, and a diploma from Air Command and Staff College at Air University in Alabama. Art is a decorated Air Force Officer who served his country in the Air Force for 28 years, four years enlisted and 24 years as an officer. He enjoyed the different cultures that came with living in the many different states and in Europe. Eventually, making his forever home in Oklahoma with his wife and family in 1989. His distinguished career included serving in different leadership positions, as well as earning the Bronze Star in the first Gulf War. He was commander of the Airborne Computer Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base from May 1992 to August 1994.

In 1965, Art met the love of his life, Janette Donovan. They were happily married June 22, 1968. Throughout their life together, they enjoyed traveling, dancing, and bird watching. And most importantly, they loved raising their two children, Art and Angie, together and spending time with family.

Above all, Art loved his family. A favorite day for Art would include an early morning to go fishing or hunting with his bird dogs and then ending the evening enjoying a beer with friends and family. His family knew him best for his laugh while he was watching an old time comedy show or cracking an inappropriate joke. Art was a proud American and Air Force Officer, but most importantly, he was a proud son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.

Art was preceded in death by his parents Jesse and Dorothy Harriott; son, Arthur Van Harriott II; and brothers Jesse Harriott, Daniel Harriott, and Jeffery Harriott.

Art is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janette Donovan Harriott; daughter Angela Meeks and husband Delvin; daughter-in-law Joy “Dee Dee” Harriott; sister in laws, Barb Harriott and Terrie Harriott; seven grandchildren: Forrest, Austin, Karis, Jasmine, Brittney, Chase, and Alli; six nieces and six nephews, and many other relatives and dear friends.

A celebration of life for Arthur will be held Friday, October 13, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Baggerley Funeral Home Reception Room, 930 South Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.baggerley.com for the Harriott family.