SPARTA – Arthur L. Des Rocher, 88, of Sparta, formerly of Percy, passed away at 1:40 am, Thursday, May 12, 2016 at home in Sparta.

Arthur was born in Percy on October 13, 1927, the son of Oscar and Effie May Ward Des Rocher.  He married Barbara A. Meyerhoff on June 11, 1955 at Percy.  He was retired from Spartan Coal Mines.  He was a veteran of the US Navy, having served during WWII and the Korean Conflict.  He was member of First Baptist Church in Percy and held several positions in the church.  Arthur was also a member of the American Legion Post #1145 in Percy, 27 year member of the U.M.W. of A Local #9905, a former member of the Percy Village Board and several other civic positions, and the former President of Percy Civic Improvement Association.  Arthur Lee Homes is named after him in Percy.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Barbara Des Rocher of Sparta; three sons, Arthur D. (Patricia) Des Rocher of Chapmanville, WV, Terry L. Des Rocher of South Charleston, WV, Kent R. (Cathy) Des Rocher of Chapmanville, WV; six grandchildren, Rebecca (Joseph) Pridemore, Rachel (Johnthan) Perdue, Benjamin Des Rocher, Samuel Des Rocher, Eli Des Rocher, Kristin Des Rocher; three great grandchildren, Madilyn, Carter and Easton Pridemore; one brother, Eugene "Turk" (Evelyn) Des Rocher of Steeleville; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Arthur was preceded in death by his Parents; three brothers, Samuel, Herbert and Hubert Des Rocher; and three sisters, Eileen Des Rocher, Fay Killgrove and Nathalie Kiehna.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Sunday, May 15, 2016 at the Wilson's Funeral Home in Percy with Rev. Terry Jackson officiating.  Burial will follow in Percy Village Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at Wilson's Funeral Home, Percy, where friends may call from 6 pm until 8 pm Saturday and on Sunday from 7:30 am until the hour of service.  Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association.