Paul M. Menefee
Mar 15th, 1928 - Jun 14th, 2020- Birth Date: Mar 15, 1928
- Death Date: Jun 14, 2020
- Funeral Date: Jun 20, 2020 at 1:00 pm
- Location: Christ The King Catholic Church (4000 N. Rodney Parham Rd, Little Rock, AR 72212
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Biography:
Paul M. Menefee, 92, of Little Rock passed away peacefully at his home of the past 36 years, June 14, 2020.
He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana March 15, 1928 to A.E. and Lillian (Strebig) Menefee. He married Mary Lou McGann on September 9, 1961 in Peoria, Illinois and quickly started their greatest adventure, raising a family of 4 sons and one precious daughter, Molly Menefee-Donner, who recently preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Robert, Gerald, and Joseph, and three sisters: Lillian, Marilyn, and Mary.
Besides Mary Lou, he is survived by his sister, Betty; four sons, Tim (Jill), Joe (Angie), Tom and John (Susan) Menefee; three grandsons, Andrew Donner, Carter and Zach (Haileigh) Menefee; one granddaughter, Alex Menefee, one great-grandson Cash Menefee and many nieces and nephews.
Paul was a 1944 graduate of South Side High School in Fort Wayne, then joined the United States Navy soon after. He served on the USS Gardiners Bay and earned the WW II Victory Medal while on active duty where he toured the Pacific Islands after the war. He spent a total of 10 years in service to our country including 7 years in the Naval Reserves.
He left Fort Wayne in 1950 to begin work at Monroe Business Machines where he was a dedicated employee for 29 years. After a brief stint at Caterpillar in East Peoria, he moved with his family to Little Rock, AR where he worked at The Arkansas Department of Health from 1984-2000. Paul had a unique talent to make any short story longer than needed and the twinkle in his eye when he ran across someone who hadn’t heard his latest meant they were in for a good one. “No ifs, ands, or buts about it”, his stories were as enjoyable as they were long winded.
Among his most impressive accomplishments, Paul never missed a day of school from grade school through graduating high school. Many believe that was as much to pester the teachers as to ensure his lessons were learned. His circle of friends was small but tight, and he was fiercely loyal for those he was closest. He maintained relationships with childhood friends, especially Tim McCarthy, the Voice of Safety for Notre Dame Football as well as many in Peoria, like the Bienemans, Heinrichs, Raes, and many others.
Paul was involved with many volunteer and service organizations throughout his life, including the West Peoria Fire Department, where he met his wife; the Boy Scouts of America; several Catholic Organizations including the TOBY; St Vincent’s Hospital where he regularly worked as a Patient Escort for ten years after retiring in 2000; and was a member of the American Legion.
Paul’s greatest investment was in his family and he worked tirelessly to keep his large family well fed. He was a bargain shopper and knew all the butchers at his favorite stores by name. Art Savage from Haddads topped them all and became his dear friend. On any visit, he had the menus planned for meals for the duration of the visit and would review them regularly for accuracy and changes. He always had time for a cold beer and a long chat for those that visited, but children and dogs had a special place in his heart.
For nearly 59 years, Paul shared his best and worst moments with Mary Lou, who was there by him until the end. Besides their Catholic Faith, they enjoyed a rich and full life that included regular visits back to Peoria and Fort Wayne to visit family and friends. One of their favorite events was the West Peoria Fourth of July Parade, and they rarely missed a Class Reunion. Their fall afternoons revolved around Notre Dame Football and they always kept an eye out for the next local fundraiser to support or Blue-Chip Stock to buy.
The family would like to send our sincere appreciation to his caregivers who helped make his life comfortable to the end, especially David, Andie, and Jasmine for going above and beyond during his last days.
Visitation will be held from Noon until 1 pm, Saturday, June 20, at 4000 N. Rodney Parham Rd, Little Rock, AR with the Memorial Mass starting at 1 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Paul’s name to the Down Syndrome Advancement Coalition of Arkansas, 9064 Greenstone Drive Alexander, AR 72002 or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 USA. Also, if you get the chance, support a local Fire Department, Veterans Organizations, Church or Community Festival.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Teresa Gates (Van Buren County)
❤️Sue and Brian
We were so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. There are fond memories of you and Paul visiting and trading Peoria stories with our late parents in Little Rock. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Menefee family during this sad time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
The staff of Richards Honda Yamaha