Paul Andrew DeGeare, Sr
Paul Andrew DeGeare, Sr
November 25, 1940 – April 28, 2025
Paul A. DeGeare, Sr, 84, of Arnold, MO, entered the kingdom of heaven on April 28, 2025. Paul was born on November 25, 1940, in St. Louis, MO and was the eldest child of Andrew H. DeGeare and Vivian DeGeare (nee Esch). He was raised in Crystal City, MO, along with his 7 siblings, all of whom he adored.
On December 29, 1960, Paul married the love of his life, Joy DeGeare (nee Wallenberg), and inherited another 7 siblings, all of whom he equally embraced. Paul and Joy were then blessed with 3 children of their own: Jean (Jeannie), Paul Jr, and Christopher DeGeare (Chris). Faith, family, fellowship and fishing were a big part of their life together. They enjoyed spending time with family and friends playing cards and games and going to different lakes to camp and fish.
Whether he was hunting for game to be used for food, or for his favorite find of Morel mushrooms, Paul loved being out in the woods! He also enjoyed working with his hands, creating, fixing and building things. He found his niche as a Carpenter and was an excellent craftsman. His work was detailed and precise! He used his skills not only for his career, but also to help others, often at no charge. He was a man who valued loyalty, honesty and integrity, and he truly had a servant’s heart!
Paul loved conversation and storytelling. It has been said that he never met a stranger, only someone he had not yet shared a story with. In addition to his amusing tales, he also loved to tell people about Jesus! Sharing his personal testimony was a means through which he was able to lead many people to the Lord. He truly valued his church family at Victory Church for many years; and in more recent years at Gracelife Chapel and was so blessed by his many friendships with the members of the Wisdom Club.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Joy DeGeare; his children, Jean Kratz (Bill), Paul DeGeare, Jr (Susan), and Christopher DeGeare (Jamie); his Grandchildren, Michelle Kratz Schaefer, Jamie Kratz Beilsten, Matthew Kersey, and Rebekah Kersey; as well as his Great Grandsons, Thomas Schaefer, Kaden Beilsten, and Connor Beilsten. He is also survived by his siblings: Donna Keathley, Phyllis Polk, Margaret Weibking (Bill), Richard DeGeare, and David DeGeare (Melody).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Vivian DeGeare (nee Esch), and his sisters, Sharon Schmidt (nee DeGeare) and Beverly Warden (nee DeGeare).
Paul never complained, remaining cheerful and optimistic, as he battled Parkinson’s Disease and his other ailments for many years. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, joy and laughter. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, and all who ever knew him.
A Visitation for Paul will be held from 5-7 pm on Thursday, May 15, 2025
A Celebration of Life Service will follow, starting at 7 pm, at: Gracelife Chapel, 1 Victory Dr, Pevely, Mo 63070
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in memory of Paul to:
Gracelife Chapel-Jeffco https://www.gracelifechapel.co
OR
Disability Resource Association https://givebutter.com/Ihonor
My condolences to all the family. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. May he rest in peace.
Our prayers for Joy and her family. We love you and loved Paul like family. Our memories of the time we spent with you two is precious! May God bless you and give you continued blessings!
I, by the design of God, met Paul, and his brother Dave at the Valley Steel building on ninth and Walnut which was under construction.🚧
They were throwing Bible scriptures all around and their jolly, joyful attitudes were very catching. We soon became friends (forever) cause I asked myself, “who are these silly guys (?)who loved God. They invited me to their church, whereas I, too, became caught up in the excitement of the Lord and later the next week was saved; with Paul leading and ‘BIG RUSS’ (Dave) agreeing all the way.
So I praise the Lord for His timing in my life because… I learned, as a Catholic, I was definitely heading the wrong direction. But in using Dave and Paul, snatched one more out of the fire. 😅=😇.
Hugs for all of the Family He will be missed by all who knew him.
We have great memories of Paul and always loved being with Paul and Joy. Always will remember the fun stories that he shared in entertaining ways. He and Don enjoyed hunting and fishing together over the many years they were friends. Paul was always sharing Jesus with those he met.
We send our deepest sympathies to Joy, and all the family.
One of my memories of Paul was how he’d often begin a conversation with, “Hey man!”
I worked with Paul a couple times in my teens, and enjoyed his character. He and my dad, Bill Abernathy, were good buddies, as well as distant cousins. He and Joy were always a pleasure to be around.
God bless Joy and family!