Paul McClanahan (Lebanon)'s Obituary
PAUL E. McCLANAHAN
Paul Ewin McClanahan, son of Jake Ewin and Jewell Allen McClanahan, was born March 6, 1922, near Niangua, Missouri. He departed this life Thursday, March 29, 2012, in Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, at the age of ninety years, and twenty-three days.
Early in his life, he was united in marriage to Evelyn Ann Bowman, and to this union three sons were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Troy McClanahan.
Paul is survived by three sons, Mike McClanahan, and his wife, Bobbie, of Lebanon, Missouri, Mark McClanahan, and his wife, Karen, of Springfield, Missouri, and Brent McClanahan, and his wife, Joy, of Lebanon, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Kim, Kelly, Kristopher, Jacob, Melissa, Joshua, Eric, Kristy, Sarah, and Jessica; nineteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Maxine Dotson, Juanita Coday, and Virginia O’Dell, all of Lebanon, Missouri; a number of nieces and nephews; a very special friend, Priscilla Mullican, and her family, and especially her great-granddaughter, Peachy; several cousins, including a close cousin, Delores Shaddy; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in the Niangua and Grovespring, Missouri areas, and graduated from Grovespring High School. He then helped with the family farm, hauled milk and worked at a gas station for awhile. Paul served his country faithfully in the United States Navy from 1944 until 1946, during World War II. After being honorably discharged, he began a career in the oil business, and was employed by Ozarks Petroleum in Branson. He then worked for M.F.A. Oil Company in Grovespring, before spending a short time with American Family Insurance. He was employed by Warren’s Petroleum traveling throughout the State of Missouri for a few years, and then worked for Webster Hydro in Springfield. In 1974, he opened and operated McClanahan Gas Company in Lebanon. Later, he operated a yogurt shop in Lebanon for several years.
Paul professed his faith in Christ in 1937, and joined Prospect Church. He was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church for a number of years, and later attended Southern Heights Christian Church.
He was a charter member of the Lebanon Optimist Club, and was active in the Boys Club. He had served on the board of directors for Shaddy Cemetery for a number of years, and enjoyed the Open Hands Outreach for the Blind organization in Lebanon. He also had worked with the Lebanon Babe Ruth Baseball program.
He possessed a delightful sense of humor and enjoyed life. His primary interest was always his work, but he greatly enjoyed spending time with his family, Priscilla and her family, and particularly the grandchildren.
Paul was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and cousin, and was a devoted companion and friend. We celebrate his life and all that he accomplished in his ninety years, and will treasure the wonderful memories he made for his family and friends.
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