Paul David Povse

Paul David Povse, 70, journalist, professor and local movie critic, died at home under hospice care with his family beside him on February 14, 2018. His suffering was hidden from all, which was his hallmark. Pauls life was brightened by his passions - his devotion to his family, his journalism profession, his love of movies, books, music, his dogs, Cardinals baseball and Saluki basketball. Pauls quiet but acerbic wit, his arsenal of words, and vast knowledge of popular music characterized this impeccably dressed journalist, husband, father, brother, son and friend. Paul earned a bachelors degree in Communications from SIU-Carbondale in 1970 and worked as a reporter, city editor, columnist and recruiter for the State Journal-Register newspaper for 37 years. He met his forever friend, his "Babe," Donna (Freeman) at work. Together, they enjoyed viewing hundreds of movies during their marriage for his newspaper column. He left the newspaper in 2007 and became an adjunct professor in journalism at SIU-Carbondale and then Lincoln Land Community College. He was also a freelance writer for the St. Louis Beacon. Paul served on the SIU Alumni Association Board of Directors and was honored by the Associated Press, Illinois Press Association, Copley News Service and the American Bar Association. He was a champion of public radio, a mentor to young journalists, a benevolent advocate for his journalism students and a volunteer for Friend-In-Deed, WUIS public radio, and SIU-Carbondale Alumni Association. His daily brain food was The New York Times. Paul and friends enjoyed weekly games on the basketball court or the golf course, and especially the social hour that followed. Pauls dedication to sports took on a personal joy when he watched his daughter, Nora, perform as a cheerleader and soccer player for Springfield High School. With his A.M. transistor radio in hand, trying to get a game, and a pile of newspaper and magazine clippings from his trade, Paul kept in touch with the world and lifelong friends. He tailored his correspondence to their individual tastes, punctuating his brand of love and appreciation with homemade tapes and CDs from his massive music collection. His other particular joy was watching his granddaughter, Evie, dancing to hand-picked tunes, to her delight. Paul was preceded in death by his father, Stan Povse and his favorite brother-in-law, Denis Beveridge. He is survived by his devoted wife, Donna Povse; daughter, Nora Povse Lauer (Stuart); granddaughter, Evelyn Lauer; mother, Vivian Povse; sister, Arlene Beveridge; several brothers and sisters-in-law; and a passel of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. The family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the SIU Foundation to benefit the College of Mass Communications and Media Arts, 1235 Douglas Dr., Mail Code 6805, Carbondale, IL 62901 or Memorial Home Services Hospice, 720 North Bond St., Attn: Pat Keith, Springfield, IL 62702.