Paul Spies

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Paul R. Spies of Chaffee was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018, at the age of 86 with his daughter, Paula, by his side.

He was born June 21, 1932, in Zalma, Missouri, to Rulen and Reva Pruitt Spies.

He was formally married to Janet Lee Gloth. She preceded him in death on Jan. 3, 2009.

Paul was owner of P&G Carpet for many years. He later semi-retired, but did many flooring jobs until 2012, when he helped with the family business driving tractors, supervising and helping wherever needed. When Paul could no longer drive, he loved to take long rides with his daughter, Paula, and listen to country music.

He loved his country and was a U.S. Army veteran, serving as a sergeant in the Korean War. He often shared many stories of the missions he flew.

Paul also flew private planes, often giving flight lessons, and was a member of the Cape Pilots Club.

He never met a stranger. He loved drinking coffee and catching up with friends at the coffee shop. Many will remember him for that trademark wink he would give with just a little smile. He loved hunting, fishing and working on the farm. He was a father who could sit and talk for hours with much to teach of life lessons and words of wisdom. Paul loved animals and his favorite was his cats. His beloved Binx will live with his granddaughter, Brittney.

Paul is survived by his daughter, Paula Spies-Diebold; son, Greg Spies; daughter, Angie Gwaltney; daughter, Connie Ticer; grandchildren, Jessica Kamp, Dr. Brittney Diebold, Colton Jones, Alicia Ticer, Morgan Smith and Alec Smith. Paul adored his great-grandchildren, Aubery Leigh Kamp and Kaydence Marie Kamp. He is also survived by two brothers, Ray Spies and Rulen Spies, and three sisters, Virginia Ledford, Clara Westrich and Fimble Enderle. He was a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews as well as other surviving relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Barbara Westrich.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will follow at noon Friday at the funeral home with the Pastor Phillip Ruopp officiating.

Burial will follow at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri, with Patriot Riders and full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Missouri Veterans Home or Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.