Paul Emerson Vardeman Jr.

Paul Emerson Vardeman, Jr. was born in Kansas City, Missouri on February 5, 1930 and passed away on October 20, 2022 at the age of 92. Paul was the son of Paul E. Vardeman and Ida Lippelgoes Vardeman. He attended Kemper Military School, the University of Kansas City, and the University of Missouri School of Law.

Paul practiced law with Swofford, Schroeder and Shankland, the firm of Beeson, Dabbs, Arnold and Vardeman, and the firm of Johnson, Lucas, Bush and Vardeman. In 1959, Paul was the recipient of the Lon Hocker Award, which was given to the two most outstanding young trial lawyers in the state of Missouri. In 1964, he was appointed Circuit Judge by Governor John Dalton at the age of 32, and was elected to that office in 1972 and 1978, serving a total of 18 years on the bench. In 1982, Paul resigned and returned to private practice with the firm of Polsinelli, White, Schulte and Vardeman, where he practiced law until his retirement in 1997.

In 1953, Paul married his beloved wife Connie, and they enjoyed sixty nine years of marriage. In addition to Connie, Paul is survived by their daughter, Lisa Vardeman O’Connor, her husband Robert O’Connor, and three grandchildren, Matthew, Megan and Allison O’Connor of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sue Kimble.

Paul was a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and was elected president of the Missouri Association of Trial Lawyers. He served nine years in the Missouri National Guard. Paul was a founder and commodore of the Jacomo Sailing Club. He was a member of the Wharf Rats Club of Nantucket, Massachusetts. Paul always had an interest in maritime history, and was an avid collector of nautical antiques. He was nicknamed “The Dean of Scrimshaw” because of his extensive knowledge and was frequently called upon for advice and speaking engagements.

Paul lived life to the fullest and had many interests and hobbies. He was an avid collector of nautical antiques and a historical scholar. He enjoyed fishing, sailing and boats of all kinds. Paul spent countless hours playing chess and backgammon, and enjoyed card games with family. He and Connie loved to travel, especially to Nantucket, London and Houston.

The most important thing to Paul was his family. He was generous with his time, and enjoyed many family vacations over the years. Paul was a gifted storyteller, mentor and teacher, and shared these gifts with his family and grandchildren.

Paul had numerous friends, earning the respect of his colleagues due to his wit and kind, generous nature. He was a friend to everyone, treating them with fairness and kindness. He was known to be a great storyteller and practical joker, entertaining friends with his many tales and pranks.

At his request, Paul preferred a quiet burial without any formal memorial or service. If you wish to honor Paul, please consider a donation in his name to the Nantucket Historical Association at nha.org or by mail to the Development Department, Nantucket Historical Association, P.O. Box 1016, Nantucket, MA 02554.