Karl Barnarr Arthur

Karl Barnarr Arthur November 6, 1936 – April 16, 2026 Boynton Beach, Florida

Karl Barnarr Arthur, known to everyone as KB, was born in Saint George, Grenada, on November 6, 1936, to Michael Arthur and Ruby Donawa. Karl was one of five children- Elsa, Claudette, Denyse, and George. His father died when Karl was very young, and he was raised by his mother and aunts.

While growing up on the Island of Grenada and attending Palmer Boys School, Karl participated in many sports- soccer, track, and swimming. As he got older, his two favorite sports became swimming and, his love, weightlifting, echoing his father’s love for both sports. Karl met some of his closest friends while participating in these activities; one of those close friendships was with Hayes Nixon.

His friendship with Hayes brought him an introduction to the oldest daughter of businessman LA Purcell, Lucy Purcell. After months of courtship and introductions to both families, Karl and Lucy were married on May 5, 1960. Their marriage of 42 years was blessed with two children, Jennifer and Mike. Prior to marrying Lucy, Karl was also blessed with two daughters, Bernadett and Deanne.

Karl left Grenada to pursue a career as a correctional officer in the Bahamas. He spent several years in the Bahamas before returning to Grenada and began working with his father-in-law in both the lumber yard and furniture store.

In the late 1960’s, Karl and Lucy took the opportunity to migrate to America, where they settled in Brooklyn, New York. They lived there together for over 33 years before Lucy’s passing in February 2003.

Karl worked in the Wall Street sector for several years and, after receiving his degree in Child Care, embarked on a career spanning more than 25 years working with the Leake & Watts Orphanage Residential Home in Yonkers, New York. The orphanage was a large facility where Karl helped supervise and guide young men and women in the right direction throughout the years. Many of these children came back to thank him for helping them graduate high school and move on to college.

While living in New York, over the years, Karl enjoyed the love of his pet Doberman Pinschers, going to the movies and musical events, and was a regular visitor to the Westbury Musical Theater and Madison Square Garden. He enjoyed visiting the Rockefeller Center through the years for live Rockettes shows during the holidays and enjoyed roasted peanuts and pretzels at the skating rink. Karl enjoyed making homemade ice cream, including his favorite coconut ice cream, at family gatherings, and visiting Prospect Park, Coney Island, and beaches. He loved attending Catholic Mass and volunteered many hours to the church.

In November 2019, Karl left New York to visit his son and his family in Florida with plans to stay until Easter. However, in February 2020, while driving to church, Karl suffered a medical event that left him wheelchair-bound and requiring full assistance. Karl would never return to his home in Brooklyn, New York again.

Karl was preceded in death by his sisters, Elsa and Claudette, and his brother George.

Karl leaves to cherish his memory, his sister, Denyse; his children, Burnadett, Deanne, Jennifer and Mike; his daughter-in-law, Sandra; nine grandchildren, Monica, Paul, Morgan, Tiffany, Alex, Theo, Jordan, Brittni and Candice; nine great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

The family will receive relatives & friends 8:30 am-9:30 am Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Tillman Funeral Home & Crematory, 2170 S. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, Florida.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Boynton Beach, Florida.

Burial will follow the Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery, Royal Palm Beach, Florida.