Paul French
September 06, 2016
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Service Details
Paul French received his angel wings on Sept. 6, 2016 of a heart attack while surrounded by his family. Paul was born Jan. 14, 1943 in Belleville, KS.
Paul graduated from Boys Town in 1960, and moved to Des Moines in 1961. He met his wife, Kathy, while working at Bishop Buffet in Merle Hay Plaza. He attended DMACC, Drake University, and graduated from Upper Iowa University.
Paul worked for the State of Iowa in the Department of Education, KDIN TV as their Chief Accountant, the Department of Transportation in Ames, Iowa Communications Network (ICN) at Camp Dodge as their Chief Contract Officer, and the Urbandale Police Department as a reserve police officer.
Paul had his own tax business, Paul French Tax Service, for more than 45 years. He was a member of the National Association of Tax Practitioners, National Society of Tax Professionals, Johnston Lions Club, Iwanago Camping Club, Blue Knights International, and Blue Knights Iowa III. He was the safety officer for the Midwest Conference of the Blue Knights, a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and a registered agent with the IRS.
In his spare time, he worked at the Iowa Cubs as an EMT, taking care of the First Aid Room at Principal Park and the Bucs Hockey team in the lounge. Paul was an Election Chair for the Polk County Elections, a chairperson on the Johnston Board of Adjustment, a chairperson on the Johnston Senior Board, and an active member of the Johnston Senior Citizens Center.
Paul is survived by his wife Kathy of 54 years, son John (Lori) French, grandchildren Lazarus and Larissa French, mother Lucy Pike (Omaha, NE), brother Leo (Omaha, NE), sisters Madonna Plank (Council Bluffs, IA) and Loxie Cauley (Myrtle Beach, SC), his Blue Knight family, and his Urbandale Police Dept. family.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Jan. 14, 2017, tentatively at the Johnston Lions Club. Memorials may be made in his memory to the Urbandale Police Dept., Johnston Lions Club, or the Johnston Public Library.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Robert Whitman
01/08/2017
I worked for Paul when he was at IDOT Information Services and thought he was a GREAT man to work for.
Paul identified with his workers and took care of them, his door was always open so we could go to him with our problems and he did his best to resolve all issues presented to him by his workers. I have nothing but respect for Paul, this Marine is now guarding the gates of heaven.
Semper Fi Paul from FMF Doc Whitman
Bob & Lu Saf
10/02/2016
Kathleen we are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Paul was like family to us he will be missed by many.
Ron Saf
09/30/2016
Prayers to you Kathy and your family.
Lorraine (Rainy) Gibbens
09/11/2016
I am so very sorry for your loss Kathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am only a phone call away if you need someone to listen. I have been there and done that so anything I can do to help, I will. Paul was a great man, son, brother, husband father, grand father and friend. He will be missed by many.
Scott Nance/Public Safety
09/09/2016
I was completely shocked by the news of Paul's passing. He was such a kind man. I will miss having little talks with him and trading war stories. Prayers to Kathy and your family. R.I. P. Brother in blue.
Randy & Jody Leventhal
09/09/2016
Our prayers are with you Kathy and family. We will always remember Paul for his humble ways and how he treated his fellow man. May you rest in peace Paul and God bless you and your family.
George Griffith/UPD
09/09/2016
I will miss Paul's easy smile and his wiliness to help. Now he's riding on the roads with no pot holes.
God Bless you and Kathy.
Curt Vajgrt USMC/Urbandale PD
09/09/2016
God Bless you Leatherneck! Thank you for your service in the United States Marine Corps & thank you for serving Urbandale as an honorable Police Reserve Officer. I will always remember your gentle manor, kind smile & humble presence. You are forever my Brother; Semper-Fi Paul!
Rob Johansen Urbandale Police Department
09/09/2016
Paul was a great supporter of the Urbandale Police Department with many years of service to the reserve unit. He was always eager to assist in any way possible. I would like to express my thanks to Paul and his family for his dedication to the policing profession.
Chief Ross McCarty Urbandale Police Department
09/09/2016
To Paul;
Paul you were a giving person, dedicated during your time as a police reserve. And after your retirement a committed volunteer to the police reserves and community. A life long member of the Blue Knights and a voice of reason during troubling times. We are better people for your friendship. I am confident you are home with the Father. May Kathy receive comfort in that knowledge.GOD Bless your soul. Ross
Loxie L. Cauley
09/08/2016
To my sister in law Kathy, my nephew John Paul, Lori & family: Today I grieve with you as we mourn the earthly loss of your beloved husband, father, grandfather, and my brother Paul. My mind is a mirror of memories, childhood playing with marbles, laughter and yes, tears. Through tough years we held together strong. We had each other to hold on to. As days became years and we grew into adulthood, we were separated by miles. We were never apart in our hearts and minds. Tomorrow is not promised for anyone, and that is why each day is important to be lived full of life, love, and respect for family. Grief is difficult work, unique to each person. I know not your individual pain, but I know the hurt of loss, the pangs of sorrow not to be able to say one last word, have one last hug, or embrace our loved one with the knowledge this will be the final time we see each other in this world. Precious memories, "how they linger, how they ever touch my soul". When all earthly help is in vain, we pray for the Angels to rock our loved one to sleep. "In the arms of the Angels, may you find some comfort here". I send my love, my heart filled with a sister's love for her big brother. Paul was a man of integrity, intelligence, peace, caring and love. His family was his strong hold. May you find support through love of each other, our family, and your friends. I send my love as I pain for "one more day", and a final farewell with an "I love you my brother".
Your Sister, Aunt, and Brother in Law;
Loxie & J. E.