Paul M. Tillman, age 87, went to be with Jesus, November 14, 2010. He was born January 1, 1923, to Dane William and Florence Bashears Tillman, in Springfield, Missouri. At age 8, his family moved to Ava, Missouri, where he graduated high school in 1940. After three years, he left college to join the US Army Air Corps during WWII. He served as a radio operator, and was honorably discharged in 1946. His tour of duty took him to Guadalcanal and New Caledonia in the South Pacific. He graduated from Southwest Missouri State College in 1949 (MSU), with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. He received a Masters Degree in Music from the University of Southern California in 1956. Music was Paul's life long passion. He was a talented trumpet player, and he performed with dance bands from the 30's through the 70's, including his own group, The Paul Tillman Orchestra. Paul retired after 34 years teaching band and orchestra at Ozark High School, Pipkin Junior High, and Hillcrest High School. He was popular with his students, remaining in contact with some until the last days of his life. Paul married Berniece Rutledge Carter in 1947. They had two children, Julie and Scott. Berniece passed away in 1969. Paul married Sandra Keeter, and they had one daughter, Allison. He was step-father to Sandra's two children, Clarissa and Nathan. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Berniece, and his only sibling Betty Jane Arbeitman. He is survived by his children, Julie Preston and husband David, of Charles City, Iowa, Scott Tillman and wife Leslie, Strafford, Missouri, Allison Tillman, Kansas City, Missouri, Clarissa Moore and husband Jeff, Rogersville Missouri, Nathan Keeter and wife Sheri , Colquitt, Georgia. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Dane and Joseph Preston, Paul Scott, Grace, and Jake Tillman, Devin and Olivia Moore, and Ryan Keeter. For many years, he was a fixture at Village Inn during breakfast. Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood, Springfield, Missouri, 65804. Arrangements are under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole, Springfield, Missouri, 65804. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 2446 E Madrid Springfield, Missouri, 65804.