Paul went to Elgin High School. He received his GED before entering the armed forces. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years of dedicated service, having served in World War II and the Korean War. He received the Good Conduct Ribbon, American Defense Ribbon, and Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with three bronze battle stars, and Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze battle star as well as six Overseas service bars.
Paul was one of twelve children (four daughters and eight sons) born to Charlotte (Dodsworth) and Clarence O. Phelps.
Paul is survived by his wife, Juana Phelps and his sons, Paul Phelps and Steve Phelps and his daughters, Linda Phelps-Cartwright and Charlotte Smith; other children, Curtis Phelps, Roger Phelps and Diana Cohlmeyer; and 14 grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 17, 2012 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 18, 2012 in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home with Bishop David Wenger with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officiating.
