Obituary of Lawrence L. Paul

Lawrence Leonard Paul
October 19, 1936 – February 13, 2025

Lawrence Leonard Paul, 88, passed away peacefully in his home on February 13, 2025. He was born on October 19, 1936, on a rural farm near Marietta, IL, to Fantley Roy Paul and Nancy Rosey Myrtle Paul.

Lawrence was a 1955 graduate of Cuba High School in Cuba, IL. On May 25, 1957, he married the love of his life, Laura Lee Paul, in Vermont, IL. Together, they built a beautiful life, later settling in West Liberty, IA, where they raised their family.

A hardworking and dedicated man, Lawrence served in the Army reserves and spent 23 years working for Louis Rich before retiring. Though he took pride in his work, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He had the biggest heart and would do anything for anybody, always putting others before himself.

Lawrence was a passionate outdoorsman who found peace in hunting and excitement in collecting coins. He had a knack for discovering hidden treasures with his metal detector and took great pride in tending to his garden. He also cherished the time he spent helping his son-in-law on the farm.

Lawrence is preceded in death by his parents, his 15 siblings, son-in-law, Thomas Alan Brown, and a foster son: John Paul (Brad) Busher. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Laura Lee Paul; his children, Deb (Lindsey) Simpson, Diana (late Tom Brown), Rodney Paul and Douglas Busher; his grandchildren, Tiffany Paul (Sid Thompson), Ryne (Jill) Paul, Nick Heath (Rebecca Mattke), TC (Brittney) Heath, Jessica (Brian) Schroeder, Marla (Aaron) Griffith, Janel (Zach) Tyler, and Michelle (Julio) Galvan; and 22 great-grandchildren who adored their great-grandpa.

Lawrence’s kindness, wisdom, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, hard work, and devotion to his family.

A service to celebrate Lawrence’s life will be held at First Church United, West Liberty, IA on Monday, February 17, 2025 with a visitation starting at 9:30am, funeral to follow at 11am and a private family burial to follow at North Prairie Cemetery in West Liberty. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lawrence Paul Memorial Fund and sent to Henderson-Barker Funeral Home, PO Box 46, West Liberty, IA 52776..

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Iowa City Hospice and the amazing people that helped care for Lawrence over the past 9 months. Your care and support provided to both Lawrence and the family were greatly appreciated. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the love he so freely gave in life.