Tulsa World: ARTER William Bernard

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ARTER William Bernard

By Staff Reports
Published: 2/8/2009 3:28 AM
Last Modified: 2/8/2009 3:28 AM

ARTER - William Bernard, aka "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy". On February 4, 2009, William (Bill) Arter joined his Father, Savior, parents, and all of his brothers and sisters for an ecstatic reunion! Bill was born June 10, 1923 in Woodriver, IL to James and Lillian Arter. After trying out as a second baseman for St Louis Cardinals, he was told to come back for Spring training. Before he had that chance, he was drafted into World War II as a bugler, and placed in the Medic Unit of Company B. Under the leadership of General Patton, Bill earned five Bronze Stars, one of which was for the Normandy Beach invasion where he spent his 21st Birthday. In addition to playing bugle calls, Bill would join a few other soldiers and play jazz for thousands of troops throughout the war. Unknowingly, Don Raye and Hughie Prince would pen the description of Bill's life and service in the song they wrote before the war entitled, "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B". After the war, Bill then moved from Longmont, CO to Tulsa, OK where he met and married Lois, who has been the love of his life for 52 years. The two of them built a Christian retreat in Okmulgee, OK. Bill continued playing his trumpet at churches, military funerals, and social events until a hand injury slowed him down in 2004. He is survived by: his wife, Lois; 4 daughters: Brenda and George White, Teresa and Robert Queen, Cynthia and Hank Miller, Nichole and Mike Cottle; 3 sons: William and Barbara Arter, Jesse Arter, and James Arter. Bill had 11 grandchildren, and 12 great- grandchildren who loved and enjoyed him, along with many other relatives and friends. Associate Pastor, Timothy Self, from Church on the Move, will officiate the services which will be held at the Moore's Eastlawn Chapel, 1908 S Memorial, Tulsa, OK, on Monday, February 9, 2009 at 10 a.m. Interment will be at 1 p.m., in the Fort Gibson National Cemetery, Fort Gibson, OK. William Bernard Arter By Staff Reports

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