Aug 4, 2002 2 min read

Arthur L. Bakewell, 80, of Brownsville, Pa., died Wednesday, July 31, 2002. He was born January 12, 1922, in Brownsville, Pa., son of Lawrence and Ruth Teasdale Bakewell.

Arthur was a member of First Presbyterian Church of California, Pa., graduated from Brownsville High School, Class of 1938, and was an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America.

He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point.

He also earned a bachelor’s degree and two master degrees from California State College.

Colonel Bakewell retired from the United States Army after serving 27 years. Among his numerous awards were the American Campaign Medal for service during World War II, the Bronze Star for valor in combat during the Korean War, and the Legion of Merit for meritorious service in the Vietnam War.

He then worked as Director of Veterans Affairs for 20 years at California University of Pennsylvania. Additional duties included International Student Advisor, Students with Disabilities Advisor, and Counseling Center Coordinator. He received the John R. Gregg Award for Loyalty and Service, the Phi Delta Kappa Distinguished Service Award, and the Emeriti Faculty Award for continued service to the University. The Veterans Club also named the Arthur L. Bakewell Scholarship Fund in his honor.

Art Bakewell was also actively involved in several veterans organizations. He was Past Commander of V.F.W. Post 47, Uniontown, and Past Commander of V.F.W. District 23. He was named a Distinguished Member of the Regiment (DMOR) of the 16th Infantry Regiment Association at Fort Riley, Kansas in 1999.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Isabelle Jeffries Bakewell, a son, Ben-Art Bakewell, a sister, Elizabeth Meese, a brother, Lawrence Eugene Bakewell, and parents.

Surviving are three children: Dr. Carol Webb, Denise Bakewell, Attorney-at-law, and Cherie Sears; five grandchildren: Philip Webb, Meredith Webb, Kirsten Sears, Mary Margaret Sears, Kimberly Sears; and a sister, Marian Freeman.

Friends will be received in the SKIRPAN FUNERAL HOME, 135 Park Street, Brownsville, Pa., today from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, August 5, at 10 a.m. with the Rev. John Rankin officiating.

The Vietnam Veterans Inc. will conduct Services today at 7:45 p.m.

Visitation was also held Saturday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m.