Obituary of Arthur Leroy Rathbun

Arthur Leroy Rathbun, Chief Petty Officer, united States Navy Retired, left this world and sailed on Gods ship to heaven. He was known to his many shipmates, family and friends as “Artie” and he so enjoyed when his mother called him by that name. He honored his parents every year for all of his life and never missed their birthdays by visiting the where they rest. Artie was a man of honor, service, loving and caring. Artie was born in Hullet, Wyoming on the family ranch. His parents Pearl S. and Fred E. Rathbun had ten children, Artie being the next to the youngest. The family moved to the Magic Valley, and at the age of twelve Artie started working in the fields and on farms in the area. In the 1930’s there were no tractors so most all the work was done with a team of horses or by hand. Artie was always good with animals and he became a good teamster with the horses. Artie attended school in Kimberly and returned to attend the class reunions whenever he could. At the age of eighteen he joined the United States Navy, and soon joined in the fight of World War II. After the war, on Christmas Day 1945 Artie was honorably discharged from the Navy. He moved back to the Twin Falls area and worked on his brothers Jim and Truman’s farms. But after only eleven months Artie decided farming wasn’t going to be his calling and he left the farm to reenlist in the Navy. Artie was an ardent defender of his country, serving in active duty and often on the front lines of WWII, the Korean Conflict and two tours of Vietnam. He received many medals and citations of good conduct. He was wounded in Vietnam and received the Purple Heart award. He treasured his service and the memories of his 33 years of service to our country. Artie retired from the Navy in 1974. Artie moved his family from National City, California to Poway, California in 1975. He got a job with the Poway Unified School District. He retired from the school district as the head custodian having worked at Rolling Hills Elementary School for 16 years. He made many friends there and was respected and loved by both the faculty and the students. Artie is preceded in death by his parents Pearl S. and Fred E. Rathbun, 5 brothers and3 sisters. He is survived by his ex-wife Rosita A. Rathbun, his children Arthur F. (Michele) Rathbun, Susan M. Marshall, three grandchildren, Jaden “Hawk” Rathbun, Zoe Eve Rathbun and Austin “AJ” Marshall, one brother Roger Rathbun and many nieces and nephews. He will be especially missed by his niece, Debbie Burnside who was his companion, friend and caregiver over the last eight years. So many times Artie would say “I don’t know what I would do without you”, now we don’t know what we will do without Artie. A very special “Thank You” to Dr. Fickland and his nurse Jayne for such wonderful care over the years. He thought so much of you and felt fortunate to be under your care. We love you Artie and while you had to leave us your strength, courage and love will carry us until we meet again in Heaven. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday January 8, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Rosenau Funeral Home, 2826 Addison Ave E, Twin Falls, with a visitation for family and friends 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Dustin Godfrey and the staff at Rosenau Funeral Home.