Paul Ebaugh III

Paul Lanius "Butch" Ebaugh III, 71, of Cape Girardeau, passed away early Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, at his home.

He was born Aug. 2, 1944, in Riverside, California, son of the late Paul and Gayle Ebaugh. Paul married Jeanne Ebaugh on Dec. 4, 1971, in Parma, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Kara (Ron) Askar of Denver and Megan (Stu) Ebaugh Faris of St. Louis; four grandchildren, Kailey and Brennan Askar and Delia and Grady Faris; two sisters, Jackie (the late Dr. Edwin) Masters and Debbie (Charles) Darby; a brother, Rick (Debbie) Ebaugh; and many nieces and nephews.

Paul had a passion for and excelled in sports. He was an honored athlete in both high school and college. He received the Lou Muegge Award in his senior year of high school and was inducted into the Cape Girardeau Central Hall of Fame in 2011. In college, he played football and was a member of the track team, setting and holding records in the discus. Upon graduating from college in 1967, Paul was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He received the Navy Commendation Medal, a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his service in Vietnam (1968-1969). He was honorably discharged in 1970 as a captain.

Paul worked at Delta Asphalt from 1974 to 1977. In 1977, he opened Ebaugh Refrigeration with his brother, Rick. In 1987, he returned to Delta Cos., where he retired as vice president of the manufacturing division in 2006.

Paul was a charter member at LaCroix United Methodist Church, where he remained an active member. Paul had an amazing knack for dry wit and storytelling. He was the epitome of a devoted and loving husband, and as "commanding" as he was, he always had a soft spot for his girls. He was larger than life and will be missed beyond words.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at LaCroix United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Ron Watts officiating. Burial with full military rites will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri or a charity of your choice.

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