Robert Andrew McArton, 86, of Olathe, Kansas passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, December 4, 2022. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to everyone he knew.
“Bob” as he was known by his family and friends was born on December 14, 1935 in Valley City, North Dakota to Peter Andrew and Margaret Mary (Flegal) McArton. He attended and graduated from Crystal High School. After graduation, he continued his education earning his Bachelor’s degree at the University of North Dakota.
He met the love of his life JoAnn Altendorf in August of 1953. They were married on June 29, 1957. Together they raised their three children, Paula, Craig and Kim.
Robert McArton’s career of over 40 years was dedicated to the development and improvement of rural telephone throughout the Midwest. Through his vision and leadership, members within his exchanges were upgraded to one party lines and were “storm proofed” providing very reliable service. He served on national telephone boards in which he advocated for rural telephony and was recognized for his many contributions to the advancement of this overall industry. He had the ability to effectively communicate with his members at a local coffee shop or at a board meeting in Washington DC.
He led by example and lived his life with these values: your word is your word, treat people fairly and work hard.
He enjoyed teaching his children, grandchildren and their friends in a variety of activities including hunting, fishing and most of all, the many he taught to waterski. He was an avid fisherman and waterfowl hunter while throwing in a round of golf or reading another World War II history book between these activities.
His parents precede Robert in death. He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-five years, JoAnn McArton, son Craig (Marilyn) McArton of St. Louis, Missouri, daughters, Paula (Ron) Johnson, of Olathe, Kansas and Kim (Paul) Thevarajoo of Charleston, South Carolina. Left behind to cherish his memory are his seven grandchildren, Allison (Kira) McArton, Katie (Charles) Wilken, Ryan Johnson, Jesse Johnson, Morgan (Emily) Thevarajoo, Hannah Thevarajoo, Jasmine Thevarajoo and three great grandchildren, Calvin McArton, Rory Kay McArton and Elle Wilken.
Bob will be cremated according to his wishes. A “Celebration of Life” will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 12, 2023 at the McGilley & Frye Funeral Home 105 East Loula Street Olathe, Kansas. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Lunch will be provided for everyone after the service. A private family Entombment will take place at a later date in Mountain View Cemetery Meza, Arizona.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions “In Memory of Robert "Bob" McArton” may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association 225 North Michigan Ave. Fl 17 Chicago, Illinois 60601. https://act.alz.org/donate
Condolences may be offered at www.McGilley-Frye.com
