Apolinario (Paul) Acosta Ancheta Sr., locally known by Dr. Ancheta, 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 18, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. Paul and his wife were devoted members of Immaculate Conception Parish Church for many years.

He was a quiet man who never drew attention to himself. He was always putting others first. So today, we would like to take a moment and put him first for just a few moments.

Paul was born in La Union, Philippines, on July 24, 1928. He was one of seven brothers and a survivor of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines during WWII. In 1953, he married Remy Rivera, and together they had three children. He had a passion for life and family, so he pursued a career in medicine. Paul received his medical degree from Manila Central University in 1955. He spent his residency in Washington and Oregon, and then returned to San Fernando, Philippines to practice medicine. While there, Paul started a private practice as well as worked at Bethany Hospital.

In 1967, he was offered a position as a physician in the USA, so Paul brought his family and emigrated to Springfield, Missouri. In the Springfield area, he practiced in general surgery and family medicine. He worked with the best of the best surgeons, as well as the renowned neurosurgeon, Dr. John Tsang. Paul was very well-respected and was known as a highly skilled, professional, and personable doctor for over fifty years.

Paul enjoyed his work so much that he established his own private practice as well as working at Park Central, Cox Hospital, and Mercy Hospital. He enjoyed working with college students and campus staff. In the 1990's, Paul took on an additional role and became one of the physicians at Missouri State University's Taylor Health Center. It was common for Paul to make house calls or pick up patients who needed the help.

Paul had a heart for serving the community. After moving to America, Paul and his family became naturalized in 1973. He was born in the Philippines and did not forget his roots. The Ancheta family were one of the first Filipino families in Springfield. As more Filipinos moved into the area, Paul, with the help of three other compatriots, were instrumental in developing FILAASMO (Filipino American Association of Southwest Missouri) for Springfield and the surrounding area.

In 2005, Paul retired from his private practice. His attention to detail and thinking outside the box helped him complete a successful medical career of serving and caring for others in our community.

Paul is survived by his wife, Remy Ancheta of Springfield, MO; three children Paul Ancheta Jr. of Springfield, MO, Ellen Ancheta of Atlanta, GA, and Marissa (Reese) Ancheta (married to Jeff Minasian) of Springfield, MO; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and brother Angel Ancheta of Manila, Philippines. He was affectionately called "Lolo" (meaning grandfather) by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Despite the hardships of WWII and post WWII, his perseverance, motivation, and positive outlook on life, helped him overcome many odds to achieve his dream to be a doctor. Paul lived life to the fullest and enjoyed playing tennis, ballroom dancing, traveling all over the world, and gathering with family and friends. Among his family, relatives, and friends, he was known as joyful, warm-hearted, and having a mischievous sense of humor. He was admired and loved by many!

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 25, 2021, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. CST followed by a Rosary/Prayer Service, Eulogy, and memory show at 7:00 p.m. CST, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole St., Springfield, MO 65804. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 26, 2021, 10:30 a.m. CST, at Immaculate Conception Church, 3555 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield, MO 65804. The burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 4677 W. Division Street, Springfield, MO 65802. The family kindly requests that all attendees wear properly fitted masks. A Live Stream to the funeral mass will be available to those who are far away or would prefer to attend remotely. It can be accessed by visiting the Immaculate Conception Parish, Springfield, MO Facebook or YouTube page prior to the start of the mass: https://www.facebook.com/ICSpringfield/ or https://www.youtube.com/c/ICSpringfield

Memorial contributions in Paul's memory can be made to Immaculate Conception Church. Online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.gormanscharpf.com .