Arthur John Witherup

Arthur was born on November 8, 1947 in New Orleans and lived most of his life in the Algiers Point neighborhood. He attended Belleville Elementary and graduated from Martin Behrman Junior Senior High School in 1967. After joining the Army he was trained as a combat medic and was attached to a unit of the 82nd Airborne division engaged in action in South Vietnam. While rendering aid under fire, he was seriously wounded. Following an extensive recovery he was later trained in meteorology and assigned to Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

Upon discharge and more treatment, Arthur attended Tulane University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business. For a brief while he worked in the film industry locally and would later often remark that it was the most fun he had on any job. Arthur also attended the Digital Computer school and eventually worked in various capacities in that field. He also studied photography and worked at it most of his life.

On a quiet afternoon Arthur was out for a stroll in the lovely park near the Holy Name of Mary Church in Algiers with his dear friend and companion Judy Stringer, when an assailant suddenly approached them and shot him in the face then snatching his friend’s purse. After an extensive recovery he went back to work, but was never quite the same. Later after another threatening incident, he moved to Mandeville, LA living there for a number of years until hurricane Ida damaged his apartment complex. Also suffering a head injury during the evacuation, both events resulted in his move to the Veterans Home.

Arthur loved New Orleans and especially Algiers Point. He was very civic-minded. For years he would volunteer as a worker at the polls during elections in Mandeville. He was very involved with Veterans’ issues and belonged to or supported numerous organizations, including the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, and various Purple Heart Groups among others. He also briefly served as Northshore Commander and Life Member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart USA 741.

Arthur was the son of Sanders Witherup and Dorothy Wahl Witherup, both now deceased. He is survived by a brother Jared T. Witherup; a sister Deborah Witherup Wactor; three nieces Wendy Mores, Brenda, and Jenny Norris, and her husband Russell Norris, Jr.; a nephew Drake; and many cousins.

Arthur had a great sense of humor demonstrated by his frequent clever quips. He really missed his friends at the Park Lane Apartments, especially the owner Inge Japsen, who cared for his property during the move.

The family would like to thank all those who tended to his medical requirements over the many years as well as to the friends he made at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home during his stay.

Arthur was the joy and the humor of our family! He was 78.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Mothe Funeral Home, 1300 Vallette St, Algiers, LA, on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 9 AM to 11 AM. The service will start at 11 AM followed by interment immediately after at McDonoghville Cemetery, 520 Hancock St, Gretna, LA.

Family and friends are invited to share condolences and memories by visiting her memorial page at www.mothefunerals.com.