Arthur Lee Sewell

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Arthur Lee Sewell (84) was the first of eight children born to Little Turner “L.T.” and Esternola Green Sewell on September 6, 1941, in Liberty County, Texas. Arthur Lee fought a courageous 18-month battle against renal cancer. Arthur Lee transitioned to eternal rest at home with his devoted wife, Patricia Allison Sewell, by his side.

Arthur Lee often reminisced about his days as a student-athlete at Frederick Douglass High School in Cleveland, Texas. He became the first in his family to earn a college degree, graduating from Prairie View A&M College (now University) with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Although he held a teaching certificate, Arthur Lee chose a career in the military, where his leadership and intellect truly flourished.  Arthur Lee served with distinction during the Vietnam War and throughout a long, proud career in the United States Air Force and Air National Guard, as an Intelligence Officer eventually rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. 

Arthur Lee enjoyed football and basketball at all levels. He was an astute political news connoisseur, constantly analyzing the politics of the day. He was most famous for being “financially careful,” some would say thrifty, others may call it frugal (we trust he is agreeing with a big smile). Although he was fiscally cautious, he had a benevolent spirit, rarely denying a request for help. He was generous with his time. In retirement, he served as an ordained church deacon, a chauffeur for his grandsons many school activities, and for more than thirty years he faithfully served as Club Secretary for the Hedgesville Lions Club.

Arthur Lee was a devoted husband and a reliable friend. He is remembered as a decorated officer with unwavering dedication to his country and as a man of faith, intelligence, and integrity.

In addition to his wife, Patricia, Arthur is survived by his children: The Honorable Arthena Sewell (Mark) Roper and Bryan McKinley Sewell of Charles Town, West Virginia. Arthur proudly held the title of Grandpa to his three accomplished grandchildren: Dr. Mollie Patricia Sewell, MD; Marcus Brown Roper, a thriving entrepreneur; and Myles Edward Roper, a professional Euro-basketball player.

Arthur Lee will be missed by his best friend and surviving brother, Eddie Lee Sewell of Dallas, Texas. One of Arthur’s final requests was to see his beloved sisters: Ann Sewell (Ernest) Foster of Dallas, Texas; Martha Sewell McWashington of Houston, Texas; and Gerthola “Lynn” Sewell (Billy) Curry of Houston, Texas. 

Arthur enjoyed a 60-year relationship built on love and respect with his brothers-in-law: Ronald (Phyllis) Allison of Columbus, Ohio; Wayne Allison of San Diego, California; and sister-in-law, Delores Sewell of Cleveland, Texas.  

Arthur Lee remained deeply connected to his large family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends until his passing on January 20, 2026. 

Arthur Lee was preceded in death by three brothers: Ester Leroy Sewell (1996), Dr. Lonnie Turner Sewell (2009), and Earnest Gene Sewell (2021).

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to those who remained a constant source of friendship and kinship throughout Arthur Lee’s life journey from Texas and Washington, D.C. to Panama, Japan, and his chosen home in West Virginia.

Special acknowledgments are given to: his Pastor Angelia Alford of Kingdom Agenda Christian Center, Lions Club International, and Frederick Douglass High School Alumni.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests cards, tributes and/or charitable donations be  made through the family-endorsed youth financial literacy non-profit organization at www.ReImagineScholarship.org or mailed to the attention of 44 College Ready Foundation Inc. c/o The Sewell Family: Post Office Box 144, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414. 

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: A viewing and gathering honoring Arthur Lee Sewell’s legacy will be held Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the McDuffie Funeral Home located at 1209 Deputy O. McDuffie Jr. Street, Cleveland, Texas. A military burial will commence the following morning February 13, 2026, at 10:30 AM at The Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas.