Paul David Midgett

Paul David Midgett was born in Bakersfield, California on November 10, 1950 to Jeff and Elaine Midgett. He was the fourth of six children. Paul left this earth too soon of complications due to Stage 4 lung cancer on January 12, 2018 in Banning, California.

He spent most of his childhood in Duarte, California. He would tell you he was quite the rebel as a teenager. His friends could probably corroborate this. He worked in sales his entire career, selling cars, office supplies and printing.

He married Roberta Bortisser and had two children, Paul Jr. and Mollye Michelle. They divorced and in 1984 he married Marsha Pfost Blackwell and gained two sons, Bryan and Bradley Blackwell. The blended family lived in Glendora for 12 years until Marsha, who worked for UPS, was transferred to Fort Worth, TX in 1996. In 2002, another transfer took them to Draper, Utah, where they stayed until 2015. Retirement brought Marsha and Paul back to California where they settled in Sun Lakes Country Club in Banning.

The memories he created for his children as well as nieces and nephews were many. The Laughlin river trips were always an adventure. Driving the boat and pulling anyone that wanted to ski was his favorite thing to do. “Where’s the moon?” was a must on each trip. All-nighters at the blackjack table were always part of the activities. Camping and magic tricks, camp fires and smores were definitely more fun with Paul.

In 1996, Paul and Marsha were empty nesters and having an exciting time exploring the great state of Texas. UPS friends became like family and pool parties and music jams happened often. However, there was a little granddaughter that needed a more permanent home and Bryanna came to live with them in 1999. School assignments and homework once more became the norm, along with swimming every evening. “Papa” and Bryanna were very close and always ganged up on “Nonnie”!

The move to Utah introduced the family to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and school. Paul was very active with Bryanna in her school endeavors and helped wherever he could. Since Bryanna was in Catholic school and going to Mass each week, she questioned her Papa about going to church. He started attending Mass with the family and was introduced to Deacon Paul. After many conversations about the teachings of the church, Paul converted to Catholicism. His willingness to help led him to join the Knights of Columbus, eventually becoming a 4th Degree Knight. The motorhome became the unofficial headquarters for many Knight functions. The years in Utah created some wonderful memories and some long-lasting friendships. Even though going back home to California was always the plan, it was very hard to leave the many friends who became family.

Sun Lakes became his little paradise. Driving around in his golf cart, hanging out at the lounge listening to music, golfing and making new friends was his thing. As his health started to deteriorate, he still managed to enjoy the many perks of Sun Lakes.

Over the past few days, as news of Paul’s death has spread, everyone has commented about Paul’s smile and always being there if anyone needed help. He often stated that no one would remember him, however, it is just the opposite. Paul was well loved by many! His faith in God and the love of the Eucharist and Rosary was quietly apparent to those that knew him well.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Jeff and Elaine Midgett, his sister, Sharon Midgett, and his in-laws, Maureen and Earl Pfost. He is survived by his “child bride” of 33 years, Marsha, children Paul Jr. (Michelle), Mollye Gatewood (Tom), Bryan Blackwell (Stacey), Brad Blackwell (Lanell) and granddaughter Bryanna Fernelius (Glen), his siblings, Jethro (Linda), Michael (Mary), Tim and Susan Evans (Chuck), his brother-in-law David Pfost (Tandy) and sisters-in-law Nancy Sherman (Curt) and Laurie Hemingway (Gary). He is also survived by his other grandchildren, Cole, Alexandria, Luke, Dakota, Troy, Brandy and little Xander, four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

As a Knight in Utah, Paul was an advocate for the Youth Group. He had a soft spot for teenagers, the future of our nation. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Youth Group at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in his name for their upcoming trip to World Youth Day with Pope Francis.

A vigil with a rosary will be held on Sunday, January 21st at 5:00 pm at Weaver Mortuary located at 1177 Beaumont Ave, Beaumont CA 92223. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church, 1234 Palm Ave, Beaumont on Monday, January 22nd at 11:00 am.