George H. Paul, born on March 29, 1933, in Springfield, Missouri, passed away on April 16, 2025, after a long and happy life shared with family and friends.

He attended Greenwood Grade School and High School in Springfield, before graduating from Western Military Academy in Alton, IL. In 1954, he earned his business degree from the University of Arkansas. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. George served honorably in both active duty and the reserves for 28 years before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

George met his wife, Nancy, while stationed in Izmir, Turkey, where her father served as his commanding officer. They married on March 1,1958 in New York, after returning from overseas. They settled in Springfield, Missouri, where they raised their two sons, David Houston and Michael Elliott. To say the least, George was a very proud father, not only for all that his sons accomplished, but for the men, husbands, and fathers they became.

Throughout his military service and beyond, George was deeply involved in the family business. His father was a charter member of United Van Lines and the co-founder of Finkbiner's Transfer and Storage. George continued his legacy, owning and managing the family moving and storage company in downtown Springfield for over 40 years.

George was a 50-year member of Solomon's Masonic Lodge and a member of the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Temple since 1964. He enjoyed his time at shrine serving as a member of the Director's Staff. George also had a passion for model railroading and was a charter member of OMRA- Ozark Model Railroad Association. His basement was never complete without an extensive, intricately detailed model railroad display that George built himself, often featuring a witty billboard or two in true George fashion.

George and Nancy enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states and all seven continents. They marked their 50th wedding anniversary with an expedition to Antarctica. George also enjoyed researching his family history, uncovering connections dating back to the 1300s, with ties to the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, and Sons of Confederate Veterans.

George valued time spent with his family, whether boating on Table Rock Lake, taking his grandkids for a spin on the Sea-Doo, playing cards, "Pot right, cards comin" or telling one of his famously spirited (and sometimes controversial) dad jokes. His home was always filled with adopted dogs that brought him much joy.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel (Chub) Houston Paul and Margaret Parks Paul, and his wife, Nancy Paul. He is survived by his sons David (Brenda) Buffalo, MO and Michael (Doris) Midlothian, VA; grandchildren Whitney (Maggie), Adam (Kara), Stephen (Erin), and Sarah (Tim), and great-grandchildren Simon DePoy and Hudson Paul.

George Paul loved his dogs, his family, and his country. He had a quick sense of humor and never took himself too seriously. He was deeply loved by many and will be profoundly missed.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Friday, May 2nd, at 10:30 a.m. at Hazelwood Cemetery. Those who knew George are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Those who are unable to attend the graveside service may stop by Gorman Scharpf on Thursday, May 1st, from 2-6 p.m. to pay their respects to George.

Donations can be made in George's memory to OMRA - Ozark Model Railroad Association, 424 W. Commercial St. Springfield, MO 65803 or Shrine Mosque Preservation Association, 601 St. Louis St., Springfield, MO 65806.