John Lewis Paul, age 88, of Bloomsburg died peacefully at his home under the care of Columbia Montour Hospice on Wednesday morning, January 7, 2015.
John was born on Saturday, February 13, 1926 in Williamstown, PA, a son of the late William and Lottie (Updegrove) Paul. John graduated from the Branch Township High School in Llewellyn, PA in 1943, and entered World War II as a member of the U.S. Navy in January of 1944, serving until May of 1946. He attained the rank of Radioman Second Class, serving in the Pacific, and receiving the honors of the American Theater Medal, the Pacific Theater Medal (2 Stars, Iwo Jima and Okinawa), the World War II Victory Medal, the Navy Occupation Service Medal (Asia), the Philippine Liberation Medal and the Navy Combat Action Ribbon.
For many years, John was a Sales Representative for Jeffco Manufacturing Co. in Winston Salem, NC, a beauty salon equipment manufacturer which entailed continuous travel throughout the Northeast United States. Upon retiring in 1991, John devoted his time to assisting his fellow WWII veterans with military issues and organizing the Susquehanna Valley WWII Veterans Organization. He ran monthly and annual luncheons for his fellow WWII veterans, providing them with informational newsletters, programs and personalized cards.
He was a member of the Bloomsburg American Legion Post #273, the Cressona Lodge No. 222 F& AM and the Susquehanna Valley WWII Veterans Organization.
In addition to his parents, John was also preceded in death by a daughter: Diane Bass; two sisters: Pearl Dent and June Paul; and two brothers: William "Lefty" Paul and Robert "Rip" Paul.
Surviving is his beloved wife of 31 years, Carol (Willard) Paul of Bloomsburg; a step-daughter: Cathy Kauffman and husband, Michael, of Etters, PA; a grandson: Aaron Kauffman of Charlotte, NC; and Lauren Kauffman, also of Etters, PA; three brothers: Harry Paul of Minersville; Allen Paul and wife, Violet, of Minersville; and Loman Paul and wife, Shirley, of Pottsville; and a sister: Joan McMullen of McAdoo.
A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday morning, January 19 from 10 to 11 a.m. from the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg.
Funeral services will also begin on Monday morning, January 19 at 11 a.m. form the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., Bloomsburg with Rev. R. Christian Dunlap, hospice chaplain, and friends, Charles Dyer and Rev. Dominick A. Mammarella, officiating. Graveside committal services will be held in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Anneville. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., Bloomsburg is honored to be serving the Paul family.
The family would also like to thank Columbia Montour Hospice for their compassionate care of John in is his final days. Floral donations are graciously declined. Memorial contributions in John's name are suggested to: Columbia Montour Hospice, 410 Glenn Ave., Suite 200, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.