Lawrence Paul
January 06, 2009
Lawrence Charles Paul was born December 21, 1915 in Cairo, Illinois. He passed away January 6, 2009 at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center where he had been a resident since December of 2006.
Larry was one of six children, 3 died in infancy, a sister died at 8 years old and he lost his beloved sister Anna Louise 2 years ago. He graduated from St Joseph High School in Cairo, Illinois in 1933. He married Edna Jackson in 1936 and they were married over 70 years as she preceded him in death a year ago.
Larry was a man of many talents and many names; nicknames, Buddy, Bud, Spike, Paul, L.C., Larry, Dad, Pa-Paw and Grandpa. Larry started a long career with Swift & Company in Illinois. That career gave him job opportunities in San Antonio, Texas, Little Rock, Arkansas and lastly Des Moines. He retired from A E Staley Manufacturing the successor of Swift in 1976. He worked in plant maintenance in various roles and that was a perfect fit for him as he could fix anything. Even when his eyesight began to deteriorate he could still fix most things by feel.
He is survived by his children Larry (Judean), and Marilyn; Grandson’s Brad (Anita) and Clay, great-grandchildren Austin, Brennan, Evan and Camron. He is also survived by five nieces and nephews and their families. Family was very important to him and he cherished his time with them. When his grandsons were young he invented “Boy’s Day” so they could have their special day. He was a member of St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Des Moines for over 40 years. After he retired he devoted a day a week to help with odd jobs at the Church and School. He also volunteered for the RSVP Retired & Senior Volunteer Program. He loved golf even though he did not start playing until he was in his forties. Not only did he play often he rarely missed a golf tournament on TV.
The family wishes to thank all his care givers at Martina Place and Bishop Drumm. Memorials may be made to Bishop Drumm or Alzheimer’s Association-Greater Iowa Chapter.
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