Paul Ray Reust

Paul Ray Reust, 86, passed away on December 16, 2025, in Wichita, KS after having just moved there because of health concerns from San Antonio, TX where he had lived for many years.

Paul was born to Jesse Ray Reust and Virgia Mae (Wells) Reust on February 11, 1939, in Dewey, OK. He lived in several communities in Oklahoma while growing up as his father was a minister. In 1955 the family moved to Independence, KS where Paul graduated from Independence High School with the class of 1957.

He received his Associate of Arts degree from Independence Community College in 1959. He married Joyce Messenger of Independence and they moved to Enid, OK where he received his BA from Phillips University. He attended the Phillips Graduate Seminary for one year. He taught in the Enid schools while working on his Master’s at OSU in Stillwater, OK, receiving the degree in 1965.

During this time, he had planned to live abroad working in the mission field of the Disciple’s of Christ denomination. The opportunity came in 1966 so the family of now four left the United States for Brussels, Belgium to study French for a year before going to the Democratic Republic of Congo where Paul trained Congolese future teachers and traveled in the back country as a school inspector for the struggling African schools.

All this was quite an adventure as the Congo was also fighting a war among themselves at that time. However, the area this family was located was in a small mission community that was less developed and fighting never was a consideration as to safety.

They were in Bolenge and Mbandaka for three unforgettable years. His children were 2 and 4 when the family arrived but to this day the memories remain.

The first term of service ended in 1970. Returning to the Congo was not an option because of health reasons. Knowing the world had many fascinating places, the family decided to stay in Europe for a time. Paul was hired to teach in the U.S. section of the Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DODDS) which was in Mons, Belgium. This was (and is) the Supreme Headquarters of Allied Powers Europe. There were children attending from all the NATO nations at that time. It was a great experience for everyone.

After a divorce, Paul and his wife Judith Graff, continued teaching overseas. Paul taught at AFCENT in the Netherlands (1979-1981), Bahrain (1981-1985), Okinawa (1985-1988) and Bremerhaven (1988-1991) until 1991 when they returned to the States permanently. Paul changed vocations and became a real estate agent in San Antonio until retirement.

He had always had a love of sports, lettering in H.S. and participating in football, basketball and track. In college he started playing golf and had many happy hours on golf courses whenever possible for the rest of his life. Skiing was a favorite winter sport with Europe being a perfect location as ski slopes were plentiful. He enjoyed motorcycles, bowling, going to car races and fixing almost anything whether cars or food on the grill. He also discovered he was talented in woodworking. While in Bahrain, he worked with teak, making several teak tables. Experiencing new cultures, customs and foods were also high on his list of enjoyments.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John Charles Reust of Wichita and his son, John David Reust of Independence, KS. Surviving members of the family include his wife, Judith (Judy) who will be in CO; his daughter, Linda Black and husband J. Todd of Chesapeake, VA; grandson Derek Butters and his wife Malyssa of Wellsville, KS, and their children, Nora, Maren, Lettie and Dane. He is also survived by grandchildren Jaime Johns of Tulsa and Philipp Herrmann of Independence. Jaime has Legynd and McKale making a total of 6 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are Joyce Reust now of Independence, KS; sister-in-law Kay Reust of Wichita, as well as nephews Randy Reust, Karl Reust and Daryl Reust.

No services are planned. Paul will be cremated and buried in San Antonio.