Ira Paul Ingold

The little brother was about seven years old on the family trip to the mountains of Colorado. The sister hesitated to allow him to use her brand new Brownie camera (complete with a flash cube, no less:) But, he begged and persuaded her that he would not break it. He took the cutest pictures of the little chipmunk that you ever saw---and he did not break the camera! Little did we know that this was the beginning of a lifetime vocation in photography.

Paul Ingold was born in Keokuk, Iowa, to Glen and Dolores Ingold when the family farm was located just across the state line near Kahoka, Missouri. It was December 18, 1954, a cold year for sure. Not long after that the family moved to Kansas City (he called it Candy City:) and lived in a little house on Myrtle Street. Once, again the family moved to their permanent home on North Lawndale in Northeast Kansas City.

Paul attended James Elementary School, Northeast Junior High and was active in the Bethany Baptist youth groups and Choirs. He took piano lessons and was a Cub Scout.

After about ten years in the city, the farm life was calling. Glen and Dolores found their “Promised Land” near Brookfield, Missouri on a farm just south of town. Paul’s middle and high school years were filled with many activities both in school and in Park Baptist church. He graduated with honors in 1972 from Brookfield High School as the Senior class President. His various jobs included working at Dog and Suds drive-in restaurant and as a photographer’s apprentice.

Following high school graduation Paul attended William Jewell College studying Fine Arts and Religion and graduating with honors. His Junior year in college he studied abroad at Harlaxton University in England with many close friends and was able to travel Europe. After graduation He settled in Brookfield working for Walsworth Publishing Company, best known for publishing school yearbooks.

Paul was the “resident” photographer in the area, taking photographs of many weddings, family photos, reunions and celebrations. He was acquainted with many folks due to his photography work. After moving back to Kansas City in 1999 he continued his professional photography business.

Paul was active at Broadway Baptist Church in Kansas City and longtime member of the Heartland Men’s Chorus participating in almost 22 years of concerts with several concerts each year. He often traveled with the chorus as they performed nationally. Paul had a wonderful voice and found his true voice there. Our little amateur family quartet is now sadly missing his voice.

Paul loved to travel. His trips took him to Europe and many places in the United States. His love of genealogy kept him hoping to track down far-flung relatives. His Ancestry page was full of thousands of connections ( yes, literally)! His burning question centered around Peter Ingold, who was the original Ingold migrating from Europe as a young boy in the late 1700’s.

Paul will be remembered for his love of family, his caring and concern for others, his love of animals, his easy-going nature, his curiosity in creating things, his easy laugh, and his wonderful sense of humor. The world was better with him in it. He touched the lives of many through his singing, art, and photography. He will be remembered in every home or office each time we glance at the photos he made for us. Paul lives on in his art, photography, music and our memories. He lived his Christian faith in his own quiet, humble way. He cared deeply and loved deeply.

Paul is fondly remembered as a faithful friend, brother, uncle and neighbor. He is survived by Roger Singleton, his partner, of Kansas City, MO, two sisters, Mary Ingold Geurin Leininger (Ray) of Bolivar, MO, Nina Ingold Bokern (Ed) of Leawood, KS, Bob Ingold (Patty) of Springfield, MO and numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Memorial donations can be shared with Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research or The Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City.

As you all well may have noticed, most of our photographs show Paul with his camera. He always had a camera in his hand! We hope you are finding those long lost relatives, Paul, and filling in those gaps in our genealogy. Until we meet again, Paul, keep that camera ready!

“Faith is brightest in the dark and Light has called my name”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mtmoriah.net for the Ingold family.