Paul Oliver Anthes II

Paul Oliver Anthes II was born to Paul Oliver Anthes I and Dorothy Mae Anthes in Santa Paula, California on May 22, 1949. He was the older brother of Trudi Anthes Barnes. Their family spent time between California and Idaho, returning to Santa Rosa, California where Paul graduated from Montgomery High School in 1967. He went on to further studies for the ministry and foreign mission service at Western Baptist Bible College, the University of North Dakota, and The Cornerstone Bible College and Seminary in Vallejo, California.

Paul met his wife, Ginny Anthes, while attending college in El Cerrito, California. They were married on June 13, 1970 in Baldwin, New York. In 1975 they moved to Italy, settling in Trieste, where Paul served as pastor, and began one of the first private radio stations, Radio Insieme, along with colleagues. In 1981 their first child, Jason Alan Anthes joined the family, and they left Italy a few months later. They soon settled into the parsonage of the Garden Valley Chapel, in Garden Valley, California. While there, 3 more children were born to them, Joel Oliver Anthes, Abigail Lee Anthes ,and Hannah Amanda Anthes Gray.

Paul served as pastor at Community Bible Church of Placerville until his death. While serving at his last church he founded Compassion4Congo along with Jim Hagen and Bob Wheatley. It is a growing mission to this day, having facilitated nearly 20 adoptions of orphans in the USA, and planting 4 churches served by local Congolese pastors.

A highlight for Paul was grilling or smoking meat for family and friend get togethers. It was often said of Paul that he could talk to just about anyone about any topic. His interests ranged from being outdoors, to building, classic cars, traveling at home and abroad, amateur radio, gardening, and of course, studying Scriptures and caring for the spiritual needs of all those who were around him.

Paul will be remembered for his big outgoing heart, willingness to come to people’s aid anytime, day or night, kindness and generosity. His keen sense of humor brought laughter to those around him.

He leaves behind his wife, four children, 11 grandchildren, younger sister and many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by each of them as well as countless friends he made during his 73 years of life.