Clyde Leroy Arthurs

Clyde Leroy Arthurs transitioned from this world on April 21, 2020, with his loving wife, Linda, at his bedside.

Affectionately known as the “Gentle Giant,” this six-foot-three, two hundred and seventy pound, Teddy Bear, was a man of few words. You could always find “Papa Clyde,” as he was referred to by his family, with a smile on his face and a cup of coffee nearby. His booming baritone voice was quick to carry laughter and he brought a sense of calm and security to any room he entered.

Clyde was born in Shattuck, Oklahoma, to Jasper and Eva Arthurs on August 30, 1934. The Arthurs family were farmers by trade and in the late 30s, the severe Midwest drought, known as the “Dust Bowl,” drove the family to uproot from Oklahoma and move West. Clyde was then a permanent resident of California. He spent his younger years playing and working in the farms and orchards of Downey, California. He graduated from Downey High School and entered the workforce as a laborer. In May of 1957, he was drafted into the United States Army. Clyde served honorably as a heavy equipment operator and for 18 months out of his two years served, he worked grading roads and clearing debris in the devastated areas of post-World War II Germany. By Christmas of 1959, Clyde had returned home to his family. He settled back into civilian life and took a job with Ameron Pipe where he stayed for the next 46 years.

Clyde was a loyal family man and was always quick to extend his kindness to those he cherished most in life. He loved his family and worked tirelessly to make sure all were provided for.

Papa was a lover of all things outdoors and spent many years as an avid hunter and fisherman. Armed with his favorite rifle and his trusty orange “Willy’s Jeep,” he had many hunting and fishing adventures all over the Western United States. In his elder years, Clyde preferred a pair of binoculars over a rifle and became an observer of nature. His favorite subjects were birds and you could often find him tending his bird feeders and thumbing through his bird books.

A talented woodworker and metalsmith, Papa Clyde always had a “Project,” as he called them, to keep him busy. He was a jack-of-all-trades and was never afraid to get his hands dirty. His family home in Downey proudly displayed his handiwork. He was always excited to show off his latest creations.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey; and brother, James.
Clyde is survived by his wife, Linda Arthurs; daughters Ruthie, Carla, and Roberta; son, Danny; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and sister, Eva-Faye Arthurs.

At the family’s request, all services will be private.

Always and Forever Right Behind Your Eyes.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.