Jerry Bob Paul

Jerry B. Paul, a decorated Vietnam veteran and lifelong community advocate, passed away on May 3rd at age 76 after a prolonged illness. He spent his final days at the Indiana Veterans Home in Lafayette, surrounded by fellow veterans and family.

Paul served in the Vietnam War from March 23, 1970, to January 24, 1971, as Crew Chief for the 498th U.S. Army Dustoff Helicopter Unit. He was honorably discharged and awarded the Army Air Medal for meritorious achievement in combat. His service deeply shaped his identity and inspired a lifetime of dedication to others.

Recently, Paul was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for exceptional military service as Crew Chief for the 498th U.S. Army Dustoff Helicopter Unit during the Vietnam War. He also received the “Distinguished Hoosier” award from Governor Mike Braun—one of Indiana’s highest civilian honors. The City of Kokomo and Howard County recognized his service and impact with numerous proclamations and awards during his life.

After returning home, Paul earned his bachelor’s degree with honors in Criminal Justice from Indiana University. His passion for law and justice led to his most fulfilling career as a Union Steward at Chrysler Automotive, where he proudly represented fellow workers. He was a committed member of UAW Local 685.

Paul’s civic contributions were far-reaching. As President of the Howard County Veterans Memorial Corporation, he led the creation of several veterans monuments, including the Blue/Gold Star Family Memorial and the Opha May Johnson Memorial at Darrough Chapel Park. The Women’s Legacy Memorial sits at the Kokomo Courthouse.

His generosity extended to many causes. He launched initiatives like “One Veteran, One Child, One Million Tabs” for the Ronald McDonald House, Caps for a Cause, and the “Veteran Friendly Business” program. He volunteered for organizations including the Gilead House, Habitat for Humanity, the Jackson Street Veterans Shelter, and supported fundraising for juvenile diabetes research.

To those who knew him, Jerry was more than a decorated veteran—he was a compassionate neighbor who gave without hesitation. Many of his acts of kindness were never publicized but deeply felt by those he helped.

He is survived by two brothers: David and Gary Paul; three children: Christian Moore, Nick Paul, and Summer Langston; and five grandchildren: Tyler Moore, Beverly Paul, Fox, Barringer and Violet Langston.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 17th at UAW Local 685, 929 E Hoffer St, Kokomo. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM until the ceremony at 12:00 PM. Ceremony will conclude with military honors performed by the United States Army and VFW Post #1152 Military Rites Team. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Howard County Veterans Memorial Corporation to keep supporting causes that meant so much to him during his life.

Jerry Paul’s life was a testament to service—to country, to community, and to one another. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.