Jay Paul

Jay Paul, 69 of Fort Sumner, NM died Friday, January 12, 2007 at his home in Fort Sumner following a short illness. Jay was born March 4, 1937 in Newburg, Missouri to the home of Joseph Paul and the former Ellen Scott. He was reared and attended school in Newburg. Jay served in the U.S. Navy. He worked as a lineman in Lebanon, MO for several years. He also served with the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department. Jay was a truck driver for many years. Jay married Sandra Kay Tuggle on June 25, 1983 at Palo Duro Canyon in Potter County, Texas. Jay and Sandy moved to Fort Sumner in 1995 when he took a truck driving job with Knox Cortese. He continued trucking until his recent illness. He was most recently employed with Raybon Trucking of Clovis. Jay also worked on the Wind Farm east of Fort Sumner during the road construction portion of the project. Jay was active in the Fort Sumner community; he served on the Fort Sumner Housing Board, a member of the Masons since 1963, Fraternal Order of Eagles #3863 where he was awarded Eagles Workhorse of the year in 1998/99. Jay worked alongside his wife with the De Baca County Chamber of Commerce and was honored as the Chamber Volunteer of the Year in 2000. Jay was a volunteer with the Valley Fire Department since 1996 where he served as a Captain and was a past Assistant Chief. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, his favorite hobby was woodwork and welding. He loved making crafts from old lumber. He also enjoyed old time Gospel and Country Music, Nascar racing and professional football. Jay was a devoted supporter of Fort Sumner Athletics especially Fox Football. Jay built and drove the Fox Mobile for every home football game and once during a playoff game he transported the Fox Mobile to Jal, NM. Jay decided one day that the school needed a mascot and after a search on Ebay located a Fox head and with the assistance of Field Irwin the Fox mascot was created and presented to the school. Jay was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Ted Paul; two sisters Shirley Husky and Theresa Paul. Jay was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend he will be missed by his wife Sandy Paul of the home in Fort Sumner; two daughters Brenda Norman and husband Blake; Glenda Ledbetter and husband Bill of Lebanon, Missouri; four sons Billy Joe Paul and wife Jeri of Eaton, Ohio; Ted Paul and wife Shelly of Lebanon, MO; Buddy Hall and wife Shawn of Fort Sumner, NM, Shannon Hall and wife Ronda of Loco, Oklahoma; one sister Fay Cox of Fort Sumner along with 16 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and many friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 17, 2007 from the First United Methodist Church in Fort Sumner with Pastor Keith Niehaus officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers from the Valley Fire District will include Allen Sparks, Dwayne Milliron, Chuck Hafdell, Andy Unruh, Stan Smith, Bill Geiler, Donald Sparks and Raymond Brown. Honorary bearers will be all members of the Valley Fire District, 2006 State Championship Fox Football Team, and members of Masonic Lodge. Visitation will be Monday and Tuesday from 1pm to 6pm at the Chavez Funeral Home. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 804 North Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (505) 355-2311. www.chavezfuneralhome.com