Arthur Capps

Arthur Wayne Capps, known as "Art" to his work colleagues, was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, educator, law enforcement officer, criminal investigator, mentor, and friend. He passed away on July 25, 2024, at the age of 83, in the care of Community Hospice of Texas in Burleson, Texas, after fighting a valiant battle against lung disease and other health conditions.

He was born on May 25, 1941, to Arthur Wilson Capps and Mattie Waggoner Capps in Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Samuel High School in 1959 and went on to earn his Bachelors of Education and Masters of Education from North Texas State University, now known as the University of North Texas, in 1964 and 1967, respectively. While attending the University of North Texas, Arthur met Carol "Violet" Hatcher. After a brief courtship, the two married on June 18, 1965. Arthur and Violet were married for over 57 years until Violet lost her battle to Alzheimer's disease in May 2023. The couple had two children, Julie and Jonathan.

After working as a reserve police officer for the Dallas Police Department, teaching high school at Mesquite High School, and teaching law enforcement classes at Howard College, in Big Spring, Texas, (formerly, Howard County Junior College), Arthur started his career as an investigator with the Dallas County District Attorney's Office in 1973. He later transferred to Dallas County's Commercial Auto Theft Task Force, where he remained until his retirement. Arthur was employed by Dallas County for over 25 years in these roles. While working as an investigator, he assisted in training other investigators and attorneys in the fine art of trial and witness preparation. After retirement from Dallas County in 1999, Arthur worked as a Deputy Sheriff for the Ellis County Sheriff's Department for a number of years.

Arthur was best known for his devotion to the pursuit of justice, his respect for the legal system, his support for law enforcement, his interest in collecting firearms, his love of Dr. Pepper, and his affinity for his favorite meal: pork chops, turnip greens, and cornbread. In addition, Arthur was a member of the Freemasons. Having obtained the 32 degree of Freemasonry, Arthur was also a member of the Scottish Rite. As a gregarious extrovert, Arthur never met a stranger and enjoyed recounting various stories of his life and of his time with the Dallas County District Attorney's Office.

He is survived by daughter, Julie Capps John and her husband, Gerald; son, Jonathan Capps and his wife, Yolanda Ramirez Capps; grandsons, Collin McGrath and Evan John, and devoted dogs, Breeze and Suzy.

Arthur is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Violet Capps; his mother, Mattie Capps; his father, Arthur Capps; and his sister, Cynthia Capps Bowman.

The service for Mr. Arthur Capps will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 10:30 AM at the Oates Drive Baptist Church located at 2805 Oates Drive, in Mesquite, Texas. Visitation will precede the service at 10:00 AM at the Church. Burial will take place later that day at Shiloh Cemetery located at 556 County Road 1641, Jefferson, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial donation be made in Arthur's name to the donor's charity of choice.