Norman L. Paul

Norman Lewis Paul, Colonel, USAF Ret., and Rotary Past District Governor, died on December 1, 2001. He was born on May 5, 1927, in Montclair, New Jersey to Clarence and Adeline Paul. In May, 1945, he enlisted in the Navy. After his discharge, Norman attended and later graduated from the University of Miami. In 1951, he received his commission as an officer in the USAF.

On January 26, 1952, Norman married Joan Baker, also of Montclair, New Jersey. In 1961, Norman graduated with Honors from St. Mary's Law School. During his Air Force career, he held various positions including Chief Appellate Defense Counsel, Hq USAF; Senior Judge Court of Military Review; Staff Judge Advocate, Clark AFB, Philippines; and Chief Judge of the Far East.

In 1975, Colonel Paul was diagnosed with kidney cancer. He was reassigned as Staff Judge Advocate USAF Security Service and, shortly thereafter, he was medically retired. Three years later, with the cancer in remission, he was recalled to active duty and assigned as the Staff Judge Advocate at Edwards AFB, California. In 1980, he was again medically retired. Among other awards, during his career, he received the Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal, and AF Commendation Medal.

Norman spent his retirement years as a full time Rotarian. He was a Charter Member of the Oak Hills Rotary Club. He served as Club President on two occasions and for many years as the Club's Secretary. He proudly served as Governor of Rotary District 5840 from 1988 to 1989. He spent countless hours raising funds for The Rotary Foundation. Norman, his wife, Joan, and his four children are Paul Harris Fellows. Norman was also a Benefactor of The Rotary Foundation. In 1997, he was elected President of the International Rotary Recreational Vehicle Association.

Each year, Rotary International recognizes several Rotarians worldwide for their outstanding efforts on behalf of the Rotary Foundation. Also, each year, Rotary International recognizes Rotarians worldwide for their meritorious service. Norman was proud to receive both honors - The Citation For Meritorious Service and the Service Above Self Award.

Norman is survived by his two brothers, Wesley Paul and his wife, Barbara of Palm City, Florida and Richard Paul and his wife, Ann of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, as well as his sister, Doris Anderson and her husband, Deane of Jackson, New Jersey.

Norman is also survived by his wife, Joan Baker Paul - they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on January 26, 2002 - and his four children and their spouses, Debbie Paul Jones and her husband, H. Glenn Jones of Kingwood, Texas; Norman L. Paul, Jr. and his wife, Kathleen Paul of San Antonio, Texas; Nancy Joan Paul Pena and her husband, Danny Pena of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas; and Dr. David L. Paul, Lt. Col, USAF, and his wife, Elizabeth Paul of Travis AFB, California. Colonel Paul is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Regan Paul, Sydney Paul, Lauren Jones, Bailey Paul, Jennifer Paul, Alexandra Paul, and David Paul, and his step-grand child, Jana Jones - who each to this day cannot understand why Grandpa could not say "refrigerator".

Although Norman could have long ago surrendered, having become increasingly weaker as dialysis three times a week and innumerable surgeries and medical treatments took their toll, he fought on to spend his remaining days with his Rotary friends, his family and, his constant companion, his dog, Cozzie. He was a great husband, dad and, most importantly, he was a super grandpa. He will be missed by us all.