11/09/2025
Thanks to FrostburgFirst for hanging Arthur’s honor banner in the City Place Plaza as it quietly graces the block where he once lived, owned property, and served the Mountain City he so loved. Tucked back in off the beaten path of Main Street, it has a serenity and a symbolism about it with the State’s official flower in the foreground.
Elected to mayor of Frostburg at just 40 years old, he served in that role 5 times with an additional 2 years as a city councilman. He also fulfilled 5 terms as a county commissioner, all while running his own business.
Arthur’s fingerprints on both the city and on Allegany County have been well documented in news articles, meeting minutes, governors’ citations, on plaques and certificates, and, finally, in his 2017 obituary. Accomplishments and accolades accumulated over a lifetime that represent his devotion to the greater good. From his support of job creation, business parks, programs for the very young and seniors, he seldom stopped advocating for this region.
Only in his later years did he talk much about his Air Force days in the Korean War. Stationed in Texas, he spent a tour of duty in Okinawa where he received a commendation for his work in communications security. Humble about his service, he was of a generation that went to work building for the future. His official military portrait was lost to us over the years, so we chose a later photo of him—one easily recognizable by the citizens he served.
His work is finished now. His soul is at rest. He served his nation and his community admirably.
On this Veterans Day, it is our hope that young people take up the mantle of service and grow to value democracy, the gift of citizenship in this great nation, and the selfless service of those who helped keep the eternal vigilance.
O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness,
And every gain divine!
Thanks, Pap, for serving. You are missed but your imprint never fades.