Ronald Paul

Ronald Richard Paul January 12, 1937 - July 8, 2025

Ron was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Richard & Frances Paul (Vogel). He had an older sister, Shirley (Rector). He attended Bayless High School, University of Missouri, Washington University (Masters Education) and St Louis University (PhD Education). He proudly served active duty as a medic stateside in the United States Army during the Berlin Crisis. Ron played center field in the New York Yankees minor league baseball organization from 1955-1961. Ron married the love of his life, Judith Kleb in October 1961 and they had two children, Randy and Patti.

Ron started his career with the Mehlville School District as a Physical Education teacher in 1961. He then became an Earth Science teacher and also coached baseball and basketball. He moved to Oakville Junior High in 1973 as Assistant Principal and was Principal from 1974 to 1984. Ron’s final role was with the Mehlville School District as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum from 1984 to 1995. After a wonderful career of 34 years with the Mehlville School District, Ron worked part-time for five years with the Greater St. Louis Character Education program.

After retirement Ron and Judie were snowbirds in Melbourne Beach, Florida where they loved playing golf, walking the beach with their schnauzers and going to the St. Louis Cardinal spring training games for 26 years. He loved playing golf, shuffleboard, bocce, and bingo in their communities in Melbourne Beach and St. Louis. During the summers starting in 2000, Ron was a Marshall and Starter at Tapawingo Golf Course for the next 23 years where he enjoyed playing the courses at no charge. The last three years of his life were spent happily at Friendship Village in Sunset Hills making new friends, being involved in many activities and enjoying new adventures.

Ron lived a great life and loved his life. He had deep faith as a committed Lutheran and studied the bible his whole life. He loved his family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, sports, traveling, St. Louis, nature, animals, food and was always curious & positive about everything. His favorite first question to a new person was, "Where did you go to high school?" and “What sports did you play?” because he knew so many people in the St. Louis area. He was a great storyteller, especially about his time in the U.S. Army, traveling and playing professional baseball with the Yankees, and coaching and competing in sports. He was a kind soul and was loved by all who knew him. His positive spirit will be missed.

Ron is survived by his wife, Judie; son Randy (Helen); daughter Patti (Liv); and his grandpets, Zoey, Lys & Lykke-Liten. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister.

In lieu of flowers please contribute to Ron's Church Reformation Lutheran Church, 7910 MacKenzie Road, St. Louis, MO 63123, or Character Plus, 2025 Craigshire Drive Suite 150, St. Louis, MO 63146.