Dr. Paul Salmon

Dr. Paul Allen Salmon, 61, of Cape Girardeau passed away quietly in his sleep Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, while on rest at Mercy Hospital- Perry County (Missouri).

He was born on Halloween 1962 at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau to Samuel E. and Patsy Trexler Salmon.

Paul was an exceptional physician, who worked his way up from an orderly in the Cairo, Illinois, hospital to an emergency room physician at Mercy Hospital in Perryville, Missouri. He helped countless lives throughout his years of medical practice.

Another passion of his was flying, as he was a well known and respected helicopter flight instructor at Cape Copters in Cape Girardeau. He took any opportunity he could to get in the air, whether it be spinning rotors or flat wings. He set at least 15 world records. He was also an award- winning photographer, capturing many unique and beautiful images.

Paul met his wife, Denise Haman, in 1988 and they married in April 2000.

Survivors include his wife, Denise Salmon; three sons, Chris (Kelsey) Salmon, Mike (Melody) Dodd and Matt (Caroline Eom) Dodd; brother, Bruce Salmon; and three grandchildren, Elle and Parker Dodd and Corrina Fisher.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Carl Palmer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Paul's honor to EAA Young Eagles, American Heart Association or a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.