A. Paul DeMargel, Jr, baptized into the hope of Christ’s resurrection, passed away Sunday, December 31, 2023. He succumbed to Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia, compounded by Covid-19. Paul was born in St. Louis to the late Armand P. DeMargel, Sr. and Blanche Price DeMargel. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kateri LaFontain DeMargel, and their two wonderful sons and their families: Matthew and Misti West DeMargel and son Ethan; and Adam and Becky Derringer DeMargel and children Maren and Ryan. He is also survived by his sisters, Patty (Rod E.) Frees and Joan Gurski.

Paul graduated from Brentwood High School. He was a graduate of the Journalism School at the University of Missouri, Columbia, where he ran the Photography Lab. Later he proudly made use of the G.I. Bill to earn an MBA in Finance at Saint Louis University. Paul served in the United States Army in the States and in Europe, where he wrote and photographed for the Stars and Stripes.

Paul made many friends in the advertising and sales promotion area during his years in marketing at General Electric Corp, Maritz Motivation Co, and Hermann Marketing, and again in sales for Swiss Army Brands.

He was a true fan of the University of Missouri Tigers, the St. Louis Cardinals, the St. Louis University Billikens and live theatre. His heart, however, rested with his family. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and was always very supportive and encouraging in all their endeavors. He was so grateful for the loving attention and happy times his family provided during his lifetime, and especially during his illness.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Meera Rana, M.D. as well as the skilled and ever-cheerful nurses and volunteers at St. Luke’s Infusion Center. In lieu of flowers or plants, we are celebrating Paul by encouraging everyone to give back and help change others’ lives. If you can, please donate blood on his behalf. See <redcrossblood.org> for opportunities to give the gift of life.

There will be a Memorial Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 13 at Ascension Catholic Church, 230 Santa Maria Drive, Chesterfield, MO. Visitation is at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with full military honors will be private.