John Lee Pauli was born the son of John Fred Pauli and Alpha Bertha (Hayes) Pauli, on April 20, 1926 in Thayer, Missouri and departed this life on December 25, 2019 at his home in Thayer, Missouri at the age of 93.
He was united in marriage on June 3, 1945 in Garfield, Missouri to Anna Christene Frey.
He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Anna Christene Pauli of the home in Thayer; two daughters, Janet Bradshaw and husband, Doyle of West Plains, Missouri, and Leanna Johnson and husband, Freddie Darrell of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Paul Bradshaw and wife, Shelley, Steven Bradshaw and wife, Brooke, Bradley Guy and wife, Rhaquinda, Addison Guy, Angela Klem and husband, Jeff, Darrell Johnson and wife, Lori, and Dixie Reddish and husband, Edmund; 26 great grandchildren; 11 great great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Jewelene Grooms and Mary Jane Honeycutt; one brother-in-law, Billy Frey and wife, Linda; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, other relatives and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alpha Pauli; one sister, Agnes Pauli; mother and father-in-law, Leamon and Martha Frey; two brothers-in-law, Bobby Frey and Eddie Honeycutt; one sister-in-law, Anna Jean Frey; and one granddaughter, Chata Johnson.
John proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II.
He was a member of the Couch Community Worship Center for over 30 years, where he served as a member of the board. He continued to attend the worship center as health permitted.
John started his working life as a truck driver, but he eventually returned to the area to be a farmer. He farmed for 58 years. His grandsons worked on the farm and in the hayfields with him.
While he continued farming, John trained to be a carpenter with his uncle and became an A-1 carpenter. For 25 years, he built many houses in Thayer, Myrtle and the surrounding area.
One of John’s greatest loves was gospel music. As a child, his grandfather taught him to read and sing shape note music. He traveled near and far to see and perform gospel music with his quartet. In 1972, John brought the Missouri State Southern Gospel Music Convention to the area.
During his final illness, special care was given by Diane, hospice and all caregivers.
John was a good neighbor in the Bonds community and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Funeral services for John Lee Paul will be held Monday, December 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Reverend Steven Bradshaw and Reverend Scott Tooley officiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 PM on Sunday, December 29, 2019.
Interment will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to OMC Home Care or the Alzheimer’s Association.
December 29, 2019 @ 11:10 pm
We have had a close relationship with the Frey family for decades and through the years we were privileged to be in the same company as John and Chris. We send our deepest sympathy, but we know he is with Jesus. What a beautiful legacy he is leaving his family.
Love & Prayers,
Carrol & Lorene Black