Arthur Otis Jones was born on May 23, 1962, to the late Jessie Lee Whitaker, Sr. and Mattie Mae Whitaker in Homestown, Missouri. He departed this life Monday, December 11, 2023, at the age of 61.

Arthur lived in a small well-loved community where he was born and raised with 11 siblings. Jessie Whitaker, Jr. of Hayti, MO., Beverly (Terry) Covington of Hayti, MO., Henry Whitaker of Hayti, MO. Loistine (Larry) Green of Hayti, MO., Jackie (Levon) Patterson of Bragg City, MO., Calvin Whitaker of Homestown, MO., Michelle (Lee) Armstrong of McKinley, TX., Marchelle Whitaker Armstrong of McKinley, TX., LaQueena Robinson of Columbia, MO., Michael (Felicia) Whitaker of Milwaukee, WI.

At the age of 17 years old Arthur met the love of his life Bobbie Ann Jones in 1980 the two continued a 45-year unity and produced 4 children: Antonio Wells of Columbia, MO., Neakia (Alban) Reed of Columbia, MO., Janice (Tracy) Reed of Columbia, MO., Jimmy Drake of Kennett, MO. Thirteen grandchildren: Dayon Moore, Calia Moore, Yasmine Brown, Tajerion Jones, Mya Brown, Tracy Reed, Jr., TraQuan Reed, Alban Reed Jr., Miles Brown III, Traylnn Reed, Aiden Reed, Kharis Reed, Zykierra Reed, 2 great-grandchildren: Rylan Moore, and Macen Thomas, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Arthur pursued what he loved the most, working in his shop. Preparing great food for his family and friends. But most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren and family. He was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Arthur was a member of Agape Worship Center where he served faithfully. Arthur was preceded in death by his father: Jessie Whitaker, Sr., mother: Mattie Mae Whitaker, grandmothers: Georgia Mae Jones and Viola Whitaker, brothers: Henry Whitaker and Calvin Whitaker, sister: LaQueena Robinson, and grandson: Tracy Reed Jr.

Arthur had two very special friends whom he deeply loved Willie B. Mister, and his sister-in-law: Flora Thomas.

Funeral Services were held December 23, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Agape Worship Center in Hayti, Missouri with Pastor James McCulloch officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery in Hayti, MO. Pallbearers were Fred Patterson Jr., Jessie Whitaker, Lance Whitaker, Tajerion Jones, Salone Thames, and Larry Green. Honorary Pallbearers were Michael Whitaker, Morris Jackson, Kenneth Whitaker, JaQuan Jones, Salone Thames, and Calvin Whitaker Jr.

John W. German Funeral Home of Hayti in charge of arrangements.