Paul Wesley Moler, 93, of Osceola died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at Clarke County Hospital in Osceola.
Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Slade-O’Donnell Funeral Home, 103 NE Mill St., in Leon with the Rev. Chuck DeVos officiating. Burial was in Garden Grove Cemetery in Garden Grove.
Paul Wesley Moler, son of William Wesley “Wes” and Lela Pearl (Monroe) Moler, was born Oct. 26, 1923, in Forestburg, Texas. Paul grew up and attended school in Forestburg, Texas. He graduated in 1941. On Feb. 23, 1943, he entered the United States Army and served in the 917th Air Service Emergency Squadron. He packed parachutes and also was a glider mechanic. After his honorable discharge Jan. 11, 1946, he, his brother Curtis and his parents bought a grocery store in Hobbs, New Mexico. His parents operated it while Paul worked on the oil rigs.
On Aug. 2, 1948, Paul married Tishia Eurana Rogers in Hobbs, New Mexico. In 1952, they moved to Ruidoso, New Mexico, and operated the Ruidoso Lodge. In 1953, they moved to Arkansas. The family moved to the Ozarks at Mountainburg, Arkansas, in 1959, and to Decatur County in 1960. Paul farmed and also did concrete construction work for the Labors Local 177. He helped build Merle Hay Mall, Adventureland, Botanical Center, Mercy Hospital and many other buildings in Des Moines. After retirement, Paul worked at the Humeston sale barn.
Over the years, Paul was a member of the Masons, American Legion and a square dancing club.
Paul is survived by his wife Tishia of Osceola; daughters, Judy Lewis (Craig) of Osceola, Betty Sullivan (Jim) of Weldon and Doris Moler of West Des Moines; grandchildren, Travis Boyce and Sheri, Stacey and Lyle Potter, Kimberly and Dan Brimm and Daniel and Emily Sullivan; 10 great-grandchildren, Alex K. Boyce, Trevor Boyce, Danelle Potter, Kyle Potter, Amy Potter, Jade Brimm, Tyler Brimm, Teagan Sullivan, Liam Sullivan and Declan Sullivan; great-great-grandchildren, Dalton and Emitt Dohrn; nephews, Doyle (Charlette) Moler, Loyd (Pam) Moler and Jimmy (Peggy) Moler; great-nieces and -nephews and many other relatives and friends.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents and brother Curtis.