Donald Aloysius Paul

Don went to his eternal home on the morning of November 6, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was welcomed by our Lord and the love of his life, Betty, who preceded him in her journey home on September 22, of 2023, following 68 years of marriage. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Freda (Murphy) Paul and his four siblings Benjamin (Junior), Marcella, Lawrence, and Richard. Dad was the youngest child in his family.

Don and Betty have five children: Debbie (Marvin Cox), Darlene Van Allen (John), Larry (Mary Roop), David (Lisa) and Linda. Don has two grandchildren Sean and Jamie Hastings (Ian) and two step-grandchildren Jennifer Cox and Chris Richardson.

Don grew up in the depression and appreciated what they had in plenty and in want. He shared on more than one occasion that his childhood included shared time sitting around the radio listening to programs with his parents and siblings. Christmas often consisted of his parents placing various fruit items in the middle of the kitchen table for all to enjoy and does not really recall gifts per say such as toys that were wrapped. He played outside with his brothers and in one particular story of his Mom just having cleaned him up. His brother, Larry, (Uncle Bushie) coaxed him to be pulled in a red wagon through a pile of soot which toppled over and left him buried in ash. They quickly dug him out and their mother touted that after cleaning Dad up, yet again, that she would take care of Larry. His Mom was the oldest child in a large family and a great cook as her kids and grandchildren can attest. Dad recalls during the depression that his Mom cooked a possum for his Dad so that he and his siblings could have food. His mother would take Don to see Gene Autry movies when he was a boy which instilled in him the love of westerns his all-time favorite movies. Don's father, Ben, was a talented carpenter, upholster, and mechanic. He had a stroke and took Don to deliver his wares with him as his speech had been impaired so Don would negotiate the price for him. Don said he never charged anyone the worth of his services. His Dad passed away when Dad was a junior in high school. Don knew the value of a dollar as a result of his meager upbringing. Don said all his brothers and he had paper routes. One bakery offered him donuts instead of wages. He refused as he needed and preferred the money. When they had saved enough Uncle Bushie would take out for BBQ sandwiches much to Don's delight. Don's kids marveled how he would hold on to an item or wear clothing until they were well past their prime.

Mom and Dad paid cash for purchases and would save until they had the income to purchase be it a need or a want. They never owned a credit card. Mom was excited later in their marriage to have her own checking account. Those values have served them well. His family moved from Harriet street to 1107 Edgar street when Don was 11 years old. Don met the love of his life, Betty Duffy, in 1952 at a dance hosted by her nursing college. As the story goes she did not intend to attend the dance and was persuaded to attend by one of the teaching nuns. As it is said, the rest is history. They were engaged before Don was drafted in the military. The wars ensured and along with them, the draft. Junior was in World War 11, while Bushie, Richard, and Don were enlisted to serve in the Korean War. Don talked of being stationed in Germany where the temperature was 24 below and they did not bathe for two weeks at a time. The men would bury themselves in snow to keep warm. He was a cook in the army as he was given a choice. He had German KPs he stated were nice men and he picked up some German dialogue/phrases while stationed there for two years before his early release. Don and Betty married in 1955 and lived on West Louisiana in a one bedroom shotgun house. They were young newlyweds and madly in love so they had all that they desired. Transportation consisted of a bicycle or walking on date nights, errands, or to work. Dad worked at Chrysler assembling vehicles before obtaining his position as a clerk in the post office. This provided good, steady income for his growing family. They were excited to purchase a two-door Plymouth. They bought their first television from Shoppers Fair. They built their home on Kensington Avenue and moved in on May 15, 1959. Dad had great stories of them watching their home being built layer by layer from the basement up. He remembers he and Mom sitting on the floor where the fireplace is now and dreaming of their future before the home was constructed. His Godfather owned an appliance store and offered Don and Betty anything they wanted to purchase at cost, including Mom's Crosley stove which she relished. Don cherished Betty and his life reached true fulfillment when he met her as they were inseparable until her passing. One could not think of one of them without the other. They had each other and never really embraced having couple friends as again, they had all they needed. He has sorely missed Mom yet persevered in his life. With diminished eyesight and waning health he navigated the best he could. Larry and I discussed how strong Dad was and that we were not surprised he had done as well as he had.

Don was an overall quiet man, never needing to be the center of attention. In fact, he preferred just the opposite. He was humble in the way he navigated through life. He had strong convictions and opinions which he voiced when warranted yet generally preferred a back seat and just observe. His modest attitude served him well in life. I marveled in the way Dad seemingly took life in stride, especially as he aged. He and I would discuss a situation and he would interject saying little and move on seemingly unaffected. He and Mom both enjoyed their individual hobbies. To state that Dad was an accomplished artist, is a gross understatement. He would sit for hours in his beloved basement that housed his art studio creating beautiful pieces of art from a blank canvas using pencil and paints to bring his work to life. He stated that in his school days he would be removed from class to draw or paint a mural or project requested by the school. He enjoyed building models in his younger years and has a substantial collection housed in glass and wood cases. My home is adorned with Dad's paintings and I do so cherish them. What an honor and a privilege to care for and love my parents over the last four and a half years. I have no regrets and know that God, once again, was there guiding us every step of the way. He knew that Dad had grown tired of the fight and was longing to be with his bride. May God, in his infinite goodness forgive Dad of any and all offenses and welcome him into his eternal home. I shared with Linda that I envisioned Dad walking through the gates of heaven with a strong body in mind, spirit, and emotion. I picture Mom gliding along curious about her surroundings in a white gown and beautiful wavy hair that first caught Dad's eye and her black rimmed glasses. I envision the anticipation for both of them in being reunited once again, in His heavenly kingdom. I can only imagine the sheer joy they felt in being reunited and free of the earthly restraints of this world. I am so joyful for them yet deeply saddened by our earthly loss. We look forward to being reunited one day when our earthly pilgrimage is completed.

God bless us all as we navigate through the upcoming seasons of life.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice or St. Benedict Cathedral.

There will be a Mass celebrating Don’s life at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at St. Benedict Cathedral, 1328 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN, officiated by Father Alex Zenthoefer. Entombment at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery will follow.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.