Richard Paul

MALDEN, Mo. -- Richard Leon Paul, 74, of Malden died Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008, at his home.

He was born April 27, 1934, at Malden, son of Vondes Verdell and Opal Elena Thompson Paul. He and Lois Jean Albright were married Dec. 18, 1952, in Piggott, Ark.

He was a member of Stokelan Drive Christian Church.

Paul retired from the U.S. Army, serving in the Vietnam War. He received two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars and a Silver Star. After retiring from the military, he taught small engines at the Sikeston Area Adult Vocational School.

Survivors include his wife; three sons, Tony (Reatha) Paul of New Hamburg, Mo., Scott (Jenny) Paul of Independence, Ky., Rodney (Melissa) Paul of El Paso, Ark; four granddaughters, Courtney Paul of Cuba, Mo., Rachel (Jeff) Turner of Phoenix, Kristin Paul of Independence, Ky., and Chelsea Paul of New Hamburg; a great-grandson, Torin Turner of Phoenix; and a sister, Linda Shuler of LaHabra, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a granddaughter.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. today at Bradshaw Funeral Home in Malden, with Dan Hargrave officiating. Burial will be in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield, Mo., with military honors to be conducted.