07 Apr 2004 Steven Michael McArthur was known as Steven D. Loomer in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho. It is not unusual for some of the servicemen to have more than one name. The usual thing is Mom remarries and the son is given the surname of his step-father (especially if there are other children in the home). Most people of the community know the child by that name. The young man then joins the service and is required to use his legal name. Thus young Steven Loomer became SP4 Steven McArthur. Steven Loomer's death was on the front page of the Coeur d'Alene newspaper. He is listed on the Wall under his legal and military name Steven McArthur and he is buried in the Forest Cemetery, Coeur D' Alene, Idaho, as Steven McArthur. The newspaper article says... Cd'A Soldier Dies in Viet Army Pvt. Steven D. Loomer, 19, Coeur d' Alene, was killed in action in Vietnam, according to official word received Tuesday night by his immediate family. He was the son of Mrs. Sam Loomer, 508 Locust Ave., and Jack McArthur, Spokane. His death occurred 28 Apr (1968), according to the Department of Defense. Pvt. Loomer had been stationed as a paratrooper at Cu Chi, Vietnam, but recently had been involved in action over much of the war zone, including the Hue area. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division. Details of the mission at the time of his death were not disclosed. Young Loomer was born 8 Feb 1949 in Coeur d'Alene, and attended local schools prior to enlisting in military service during the summer of 1967. He shipped to Vietnam in October where he immediately went to the front lines. He was the recipient of two citations for military heroism. Survivors, besides his parents, include a step-father, Sam Loomer, at the family home; brothers, Carnie Loomer and Jeff Loomer, and step-brothers and step-sister Mike, Chuck and Peggy Loomer, all at the family home. Several aunts and uncles also live in the area. From the Coeur d'Alene Press, Coeur D'Alene Idaho Wednesday, 1 May 1968. Researched by Coeur d'Alene Library. I hope this explanation allows Steven's friends to find him on the Wall. It is presented with honor and respect. Visit Faces from the Wall Darilee Bednar bookstorelady@facesfromthewall.com

 

27 Dec 2005 I am a Vietnam Vet who graduated from IHM Academy in Coeur d'Alene in 1963. I did not know Steven as I served in the Seabees at Chu Lai and points North. I have continued to serve my brother vets by becoming a Vet Center counselor for these past 25 years+. No one dies in vain. The memories Steven must have experienced while growing up in (then) beautiful CDA are forever in his keeping. God Bless you who are reading this and God Bless Steven ... Pat Neeser From a fellow Vet, Patrick Neeser grywoof@juno.com

 

10 Oct 2006 I didn't know Steven in life, but my husband and I were close and long-time friends of his father Jackson "Shorty" McArthur, a well-known musician in the Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area. I felt that the "disclaimer" about his name was somewhat misleading and a little bit sad. His name was Steven McArthur and it is correctly listed here that way. Rather than people not being able to find him in this memorial, just the opposite is true. We never would have found him under the other name. We had never even heard of it. Steven's father never really came to grips with Steven's death. He mourned him deeply and spoke of him daily and to everyone. He kept a picture of Steven in his paratrooper gear visible at all times in his home and often moved it from room to room. We remember the anger he felt when the Coeur d'Alene Press used the wrong name in the news article about Steven's death. He spoke of it with bitterness for the rest of his life. Like his son, Shorty himself was born in Coeur d'Alene and attended Coeur d'Alene schools. The article that is quoted here was a terrible blow to him and he never understood why it was published this way. Steven's brothers do not use their stepfather's name, either. From a friend of his father. E-mail address is not available.

 

06 Feb 2007 I went to school with Steve and was acquainted with him. He was a quiet, physically strong young man, and well-known by most of the kids. He went by the last name Loomer in school as did his brothers. I remember when he joined the service and when he deployed to Vietnam. I recall being deeply saddened when I heard that he had been killed. I am sure that he served his country very honorably. That he was cited for heroism on more than one occasion doesn't surprise me at all. He was that kind of guy. Kevin Kirking kevin@bronzewest.com

 

24 Jul 2007 I came across this page while doing some other web searching. I grew up in CDA and played baseball in the local Little League with Steve at about age 10?. He went by McArthur then, but in the following years went by Loomer. I believe he was quite involved in amateur boxing. From a childhood acquaintence, Bill Kapaun bkapaun@hotmail.com

 

18 Oct 2007 I knew Steve during Junior High and High School. He was a person who was always upbeat and lifted you up in his presence. He was a person of deep integrity and courage for one that young and it fit well with his humorous side. Steve was a good boxer and all round athlete and admired by those who knew him. He was a hero before he ever got to Viet Nam. From a friend, Robert J. Matthews lightningrider@frii.com

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