Arcenaux Macklin

Arcenaux Burma Macklin was born July 6, 1948, to the late Brunette and Wilbur Macklin, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Arcenaux was a product of the New Orleans public school system and was a graduate of McDonough 35 High School. He continued his education, receiving his BA from Muskingum College in 1970 and a Master of Administration from Central Michigan University in 1993.

In 1959, after two years of Catechism at Concordia Lutheran Church, New Orleans, Louisiana, he was confirmed (first communion). Arcenaux attributes his introduction to the Baptist faith to the late Rev. Evans of St. James Baptist Church, Columbus, OH. He united with the Tabernacle Baptist Church and was baptized in 1984. He applied his talents to participating in the Brotherhood Chorus, Men’s Bible Class of the Church School, The Lord’s Supper Pageant, and was a former member of the Angelic Choir. Arcenaux was active at Tabernacle until his health began to fail, beginning with strokes in 1999, 2003, 2004, continuing at various times up to his passing.

Arcenaux believed in equal opportunity for African Americans, which was evidenced by his membership and association with Operation PUSH, NAACP, andthe Columbus Urban League. He founded a peaceful desegregation advocacy group, the Red Apple, and advocated the same during the anxious

per-desegregation days of 1970. He was the Entertainment editor

of the Call and Post during the late 80s; and publicity manager of Center Stage Theater where he met his wife, Deborah. He also started a Boy’s Club in the 1970s in the Windsor Terrace Area, called Young, Gifted, and Black. The boys enjoyed horseback riding and go-cart driving.

He was employed by Western Electric, Ross Laboratories, and Ohio Bell.

Arcenaux was united in marriage to Deborah Childs, on July 25, 1987, and this union was blessed with one daughter, Aziza.

He was a very likable person who never met a stranger. Arcenaux was a prolific writer and loved to share his opinions in letters to several individuals.

After a lengthy illness, the Lord called him into eternal rest on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at the Ohio State University Hospital with his family by his side.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Deborah Macklin; daughters, Octavia and Aziza Macklin; stepchildren, Michael (April) Macklin, and Charlotte (James) Anderson; step grand, great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Phyllis Flood; honorary daughter, Monnette Glason; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm with a Funeral Service immediately following at Tabernacle 2188 Woodward Ave, Columbus, OH 43219. Burial will follow in procession to Evergreen Memorial Park, Columbus - OH.

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