Festus Paul

Festus Wade Paul died Thursday, February 2, 2017, at Hickory Point Christian Village in Forsyth/Decatur where he resided.Festus was born in 1923 on a farm near Wright City, MO. Because his mother died when he was five, he was sent to live with a sister and brother-in-law Rev. and Iora Wegener, with whom he resided until he graduated from high school in Freelandville, IN. he was drafted into the army out of high school in WW2 and spent 19 months overseas including D Day plus 2 and the Battle of the Bulge. It was in this setting that he met up with his brother Follis Paul who arrived as a replacement soldier in his company and they were able to keep each other safe throughout the duration of the conflict. In the closing days of the war, his unit was summoned to secure a concentration camp where he was shocked and disgusted with what they found there.Upon his return to civilian life, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University and ultimately a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Missouri in Columbia.In 1946 he married his childhood sweetheart and soul mate Doris Shoppee and they remained married until her death in 2011. The last 4 years of her life were marked by challenges that required her care outside of the house. It was notable that he visited her every morning and every evening without exception to personally feed her breakfast and dinner. When asked why he went to such lengths to assist her when staff were available, he replied “she would have done the same for me.”Festus taught band in Sparta, IL and later moved to Decatur in 1957 where he taught music mostly at Roosevelt Middle School and a host of elementary schools – where he impacted thousands of young music students by always using a positive and patient approach that was always student centered. He concluded his career in public education by becoming the District’s Music Strategist for his last five years of service.He was also a 25 year member of the Decatur Municipal Band and a church choir director for 50 years, retiring from this latter role in 1999 after 30 years of dedication to First Presbyterian Church where he was also a member. Additionally, he wrote several published pieces of choral music while there.Festus also owned and operated Paul’s Puttin’ Place, a miniature 3 course golf course located in Decatur’s Nelson Park and one in Bloomington as well. He took great pride in keeping a quality operation at an affordable, family friendly admission. Paul’s Puttin’ Place became an icon of the community and many warm summer evenings saw large crowds extending into the parking lot. Yet his fondest memory at the Puttin’ Place was that of his teaching his 6 oldest grandchildren how to work and how to present themselves publicly. Even today, they say that this first job at the Puttin’ Place while they were in high school – was their favorite job that they ever had.In addition to being proceeded in death by spouse Doris Paul, he was also proceeded in death by all 6 of his brothers (Follis, Farley, Firdel, Fredel, Finworth and Fayette) – and all 5 of his sisters (Iora, Irene, Ivy, Iona, and Ira) – and all of their spouses, as well as a son Michael Paul and a daughter Jennifer Morgan. He is survived by 2 sons Dennis (Beth) of Decatur and Jeff (Pawn) of Bloomington, 10 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.Festus Paul led a truly remarkable life, navigated many difficult situations with grace and skill, and impacted thousands of community members as an educator, music professional, and small business operator. He faced each challenge with stamina and a friendly demeanor, and always represented himself as the type of steadfast role model that community members should emulate. He enriched many people’s lives in a host of settings while creating a standard for excellence in each of them – and he truly was one of a kind unique individual. He will be greatly missed. Special thanks to his caregivers at Hickory Point Christian Village and the many medical professionals who helped him in his end of life period.Graveside services will be Sunday, February 5, at Graceland Cemetery, Decatur, IL. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, February 5, at First Presbyterian Church in Decatur, IL. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL, will be assisting the family with arrangements.Memorial gifts may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Salvation Army, or Easter Seals, and they will be greatly appreciated. "
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