John Roy Mcarthur

John Roy McArthur, 85, of Lakeland, died September 25, 2022, following a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease and a fall resulting in surgery. A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, October 7, 2022, at 10:00 am at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.

He is survived by his loving wife, Martha “Pete” Wesley and her children, Wayne, Bob, and Karen; three adult granddaughters; four great-grandsons; and one great-grand daughter. He secretly enjoyed being a great-grandfather. He is preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Tom McArthur.

John was born in Lakeland, Florida on November 14, 1936. (He always said, “That’s nine months after Valentine’s Day.”) His parents were Martha and T.O. McArthur. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Florida, leaving to serve in the Army for 2 ½ years. Upon his return, he completed his degree at University of South Florida and entered Stetson Law School in St. Petersburg. He practiced law in Bartow and Lakeland.

In 1993, Martha “Pete” Wesley, a longtime friend from St. David’s Episcopal Church, proposed to John after a short courtship. John and Pete were married on June 6, 1993. John and Pete’s marriage was rooted in deep friendship and love. Together, they spent their time volunteering and enjoying a Wendy’s Frosty.

John was a faithful churchman and knew God’s love and guidance. At church, John volunteered as a Stephen Minister and in many other capacities.

John’s sense of humor and not-so-subtle jokes were his trademarks. In his retirement, he developed a love for gardening, and perfected growing his own pineapples. He followed political news closely and was very proud to have left the Republican Party to become a Democrat in 1980. For years, he had a homemade sign in his study that said, “I think, therefore I can’t listen to Rush Limbaugh.” John was a lifelong learner, voracious reader, and loved Sudoku and crossword puzzles.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the following organizations: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1820 E. County Road 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813; P.E.A.C.E. Ministry, P.O. Box 1928, Lakeland, FL 33802; and Polk County Democrats, 6039 Cypress Gardens, Boulevard, Suite 328, Winter Haven, FL 33884. Or, to honor John’s memory, be sure to do your research and vote in all elections (especially local ones).