John "Paul" Spees Sr.

John Paul Spees Sr. was born in 1936 in Gary, Indiana to Adrian and Ernestine Spees. Those closest to him just called him Paul, Dad, Pappy, or Uncle Paul. Paul Moved to Maplewood, Louisiana in 1946 with his family which included two brothers, Skipper and Billy, and sisters Sally, Margret, and Marietta. Musically gifted at a young age, Paul began playing piano by ear and also learned to play the accordion, and began playing for audiences at age 10.

Paul attended Lake Charles High School, and after graduating at 17, Paul immediately enlisted in the Navy so he could serve with his big brother who was a Navy Pilot. Paul was stationed to live the next 2 years on the USS Randolph Carrier, which is where he made some of his fondest memories. Although Paul was recommended and accepted to attend Aviation Officer Candidate School, he chose to head back to home and attend college. After proudly serving his country, he attended McNeese State University where he was president of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. While attending college, he soon met and married his beautiful wife Sheila Sarver in 1958.

Paul and Sheila were blessed with four children: Lisa, John Paul Jr. (J.P.), Kelly, and Tracy. They have also been blessed with fourteen grandchildren and four great-

grandchildren. Paul was an avid skeet shooter, and in 1975 competed in the World Skeet Shooting Championship. He was also chosen to be a part of the elite Black Hawk Indians – a Professional Skeet Shooting Group, because of his skeet shooting accomplishments.

Paul and Sheila moved to Houston, Texas in 1983, where they have lived ever since.

Those who knew him will tell you that Paul was one of the most kind, generous, and most amazing friend that someone could have. Paul was the best husband, father, and grandfather, and he had a great sense of humor. He was always happy and ready with a handshake or a big hug. Others could see Paul's overwhelming passion and love for his family and friends.

When he wasn't attending his kid’s or grandkids' activities, he loved shooting skeet with his grandsons, working on his cars, going to car shows, playing the piano and accordion, and bringing joy to others with his talents. Up until covid, Paul would play piano music every Sunday afternoon for the residents of different nursing homes. He would say how much he loved it, and how important it was to bring music and joy to all of those sweet people. John Paul went to be with Jesus on December 1, 2023. Although he is greatly missed here on earth, because of the promise of salvation we have in Him, he is now at peace with our Lord, and we know we will see him again.

A visitation for Paul will be held Monday, December 18, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A committal service will occur Monday, December 18, 2023 from 11:15 AM to 11:45 AM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038. A celebration of life will occur Monday, December 18, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at Sugar Creek Baptist Church, 13223 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478.