Obituaries

Leonard Ray Paul

May 16th, 1953 – September 2nd, 2022

Leonard Ray Paul, was called home to the Lord on Friday, September 2, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. Leonard passed peacefully in his home, in rural Smithfield, Illinois, surrounded by loved ones.

Leonard was born on May 16, 1953 in Tacoma, Washington. His family moved often, and settled briefly in Illinois, where Leonard met his wife of 47 years, Sheila (Richey) Paul. Once he met the love of his life, there would be no more moving for Leonard, he married Sheila on June 6, 1975. Together, they raised two girls, and eventually the couple purchased land and built a home in rural Smithfield, Illinois. Despite not having any formal training, Leonard was a skillful carpenter and built the house nearly entirely on his own after clearing the land.

Leonard was no stranger to hard work. In his early adulthood, he cleaned and dug wells with his father and brothers. After numerous jobs, Leonard eventually became a day laborer as a member of Local #231, working primarily on road construction.

Throughout his life, Leonard enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He retired in 2015 and turned to many of his hobbies and could often be found tinkering with machinery. It could be said that Leonard was always “fixing things”. Not being one to sit idle, he also took up a parttime job at Kifco in Havana IL.

Those fortunate to have known Leonard will attest to his kindness, generosity, modesty, and all-around joyful nature. He did not meet a stranger and enjoyed helping those in need. He was a devoted husband and father and was adored by his grandchildren who he entertained relentlessly.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Sheila of Smithfield Illinois, two daughters Ledena (Franki) Clark of Astoria, Illinois and Letisha (Kristofer) Trepac of Downs, Illinois, two brothers Bertrum Paul of Waylon, Missouri and Aaron (Chris) Paul of Kahoka, Missouri, two sisters Annette Huett of Waylon, Missouri and Crystal Allen of Colorado, a sister-in-Law Patricia Paul of Farmington, Illinois, and six grandchildren; Lexi Danner-Clark, Colton Schisler, Jerzi Clark, Norah Trepac, Miles Trepac, and Murphy Trepac.

Leonard is preceded in death by his father and mother, William (Bill) and Sharon Paul and two brothers David and Paul Henry.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 9th, at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, Illinois from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a service by Pastor Darrin Fish to follow. Memorials may be made to McDonough District Hospice.

Condolences

September 4th, 2022

Thinking of the Paul family during this difficult time.
Bob and Susie Bucher

September 4th, 2022

I am very fortunate to have known him and consider it an honor, my condolences to his family

September 4th, 2022

Thinking of you all during this time. Love Willard and Betty Richey

September 4th, 2022

I just don’t have the words…I’m so very sorry for your loss! Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. -The Fields

September 4th, 2022

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bob and Christine Gunn

September 4th, 2022

Thinking of all of you during this time. A great family grew up next to us. Love you all. Cathy Havens Paul

September 4th, 2022

My deepest condolences to the Paul family… keeping you all in my prayers. Mary Virag

September 4th, 2022

So sorry for your loss. Marilyn Richey Krominga

September 4th, 2022

So very sorry for loss.You all r in our thoughts

September 5th, 2022

So sorry to hear this, our prayers are with you all. Tena and Dennis Laswell.

September 5th, 2022

Love you all endlessly, The Deans

September 5th, 2022

Meeting and getting to know Leonard and Sheila are some of my fondest memories. And fun-filled. Whenever I think of him, I will smile for the good times. Our deepest sympathy goes to the entire family. Love, Sandy and John

September 5th, 2022

So sorry for your loss sending prayers to you and your family 🙏

September 5th, 2022

Dan and I were very sorry to hear of Leonard’s passing. He will be missed by all that knew him. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Love and prayers , Dan and Rita Welch

September 5th, 2022

So sorry I have many fond memories of Leonard in our younger years when I was in the area.. my condolences to Sheila and the family ❤️❤️

September 5th, 2022

Sheila and family, my sincere sympathies! Prayers continued for all.

September 5th, 2022

Continuing prayers during this very difficult time. I am very sorry for your loss!

September 5th, 2022

So sorry for your loss.Alan and Georgiana Clemens

September 5th, 2022

SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS PRAYERS FOR FAMILY

September 5th, 2022

Sorry for your loss! I wish I could have seen more of him during his lifetime! Sounds like he was a special guy! Knew his mom and dad well!

September 5th, 2022

So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for all the families during this difficult time. Doug & Cheryl Martindale

September 5th, 2022

So sorry for your family loss sending 🙏🙏🙏

September 5th, 2022

So sorry for your loss. I know this has been very difficult for you and the girls. He was a good man.

September 6th, 2022

Thoughts and prayers are with all of you!

September 6th, 2022

So sorry for your loss, Sheila and you girls.Your dad was a good man. Love Connie Miley (cousin)

September 6th, 2022

You have my deepest sympathies. What a loving tribute to your Dad, Letisha! Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Sheila Downin

September 6th, 2022

Thought and prayers to family.

September 6th, 2022

I considered Leonard not just a cousin, but a dear friend since the day I met him back when I was just a kid.

September 7th, 2022

So sorry for your loss, love and prayers to all of you. I will never forget his smile!

September 7th, 2022

we are so sorry for your loss! gene & connie lockard

September 8th, 2022

A good friend to our family, he will be gratefully missed.

September 9th, 2022

Tish and family,
I am so sorry about your Dad. I know you were all very close and you will miss him. Take care.❤️

September 9th, 2022

So sorry for your loss.
Alicia and Lily Lehman

September 10th, 2022

Sorry for your loss I had a lot of good times working with Leonard on construction
Roger and Ruth Mann