Paul Samuel Bolinger

On Friday, December 2, 2022, Paul Samuel Bolinger, age 86, departed this earthly life. Paul was born on April 9, 1936 in Hutsonville, Illinois to the Reverend Herman and Evelyn Bolinger. As the son of a pastor, Paul felt like he was in church every day. He enjoyed time with his sister Martha, his family, and spent summers on the farm in Shelburn with his Aunt Carrie and Uncle Clarence. He graduated from Washington High School in Indianapolis.

Paul was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, being honorably discharged with a medal of Good Conduct and commendations as a marksman and sharpshooter. He found success in varied careers. He relocated to Southern California, operated a newspaper printing press, owned and managed rental property, and was a salesman for Honda. Driving was his primary passion, most often in an 18-wheeler, he also drove a school bus and an armored car. In the late 1970’s he based himself in Needles, California, where he and his wife Georgia owned a Sears Catalog Store, a pawn shop, an impound yard, and a self-storage business. In his latter years he enjoyed tinkering in his garages, and cut and sold firewood from his property.

Driving and the road itself extended to his pastimes. He loved taking trips pulling a travel trailer, driving his motorhome, riding dirt bikes in the desert, or his Honda Gold Wing on the highway. He loved his family, NASCAR, Mexican food, all things camouflauge, talking and telling stories, and sitting in his recliner scrolling through his iPad. He remained faithful to his Christian upbringing by reading Guideposts, the Bible, social media, hymns on YouTube, prayer, and his testimony.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Reverend Herman and Evelyn Bolinger, daughter Sherry, his first wife Norma, his second wife Laverne, and many cousins and family members.

Paul was survived by wife Georgia and her sons Ron (Taniece) Richards and Robert Richards. Georgia joined Paul in eternal rest on December 13th. Paul is also survived by sister Martha Frownfelter, daughter Paulianne (John) Werthwein, son Don (Rebecca) Bolinger, and grandchildren Annemarie and Carol Werthwein, Sean Richards, Kortni (Jared) Smith, Genevieve Bolinger-Fuentes, Crystal and Amber Bolinger, as well as so many cousins and family across the country.

A loving husband, father, stepfather, and grandpa, Paul’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmeastern.com for the Bolinger family.