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Obituary for Paul Smith
Paul Earl Smith, at the age of 80, left this world for his new home in Heaven Saturday, March 10th, 2012 with his family by his bedside. Paul was born at home on June 24th, 1931 in Wayne County, Illinois to E.B and Connie Smith. Paul graduated from Paris High School in 1949 and joined the Navy in 1951. He spent almost four years serving his country with pride as a Gunner’s Mate. Paul was a dedicated Seaman who received many awards during his time in the Navy. After the Navy, Paul spent his time planting, harvesting, or tilling, as he was a lifelong farmer. Because of Paul’s faith in God, he dedicated some of his time to the Gideons International, sowing God’s word in many hearts. Paul married Mary Etta Cummins of Ashmore on October 2nd, 1955 and spent 32 wonderful years together until Mary Etta was unexpectedly called Home in 1988. Paul and Mary Etta had two sons: Kevin, born August 19th, 1956, and Kenin, born August 3rd, 1959. Paul and Mary Etta had a heart for the needs of others. They spent much of their time together ministering to many in the community. In 1991, Paul met Edith M. Padgett of Charleston, IL at local fish fry. One year later, on October 3rd, 1992, Paul and Edith were married at the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Oakland, Paul’s home church. Paul and Edith had 19 beautiful years before Edith, too, was called Home. Both of them were blessed with new family members and new friends. Specifically, for Paul, Deborah Webb came into his life. Debbie was technically his stepdaughter but the word “step” meant nothing to Paul. She was his. In the early years of Paul and Edith’s marriage they enjoyed weeks of leisurely travel while meeting as many new friends as they could. Their travels took them to many wonderful places, including Germany, Egypt, Rome, Venice, and Panama. Paul was a man known to speak his mind. If he thought something, chances are you were going to know about it sooner or later. But no matter what he said, love was behind it. Paul was a man of love, a man of kindness, and a man of integrity. He loved the Lord with every breath he had, showing his family how to do the same. His complete trust and faithfulness to Jesus made such an impact to his friends and his family that it couldn’t possibly be forgotten. Paul’s family is thankfully fully aware of the man God blessed them with. His life has made theirs greater. Paul is preceded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his step-mother Cathryn Smith; sister Joy (Bill) Chandler; sons Kevin (Lisa) Smith and Kenin (Cherie’) Smith; Step-Daughter Deborah (Ralph) Webb; Grandchildren Megan and Evan Smith, Dennis Ehase, Rachel, Rebecca and Ryan Smith, Will, Ben and Danny (Jessica) DeVries; great-grandchildren Ashley and Austin Ehase; grandchildren by love Andrea (Josh) Soberalski. Paul had a warm heart for his church and so memorials may be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church or to Gideon International. Services will be held Tuesday, March 12th, 2012 at Krabel’s funeral home from 4:00pm to 7:00pm and Wednesday, March 13th, 2012 at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Oakland at 10:30am. Burial will follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery with military rites by the Oakland V.F.W. Post #3637 and the Brocton American Legion Post #977.
