Paul William Boltz (LCDR USN Retired) Born October 8, 1919, and passed away quietly on June 18, 2018, after a short illness. He was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Beatrice Vivian Boltz, nee Johnson. Paul was the last of his 13 brothers and sisters to pass away.
During the Great Depression Paul joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This adventure took him to California where he joined the U.S. Navy on his 18th birthday. For the next 21 years Paul worked his way up the ranks to become a LCDR. He spent his WWII years in the Pacific theater and was present in the Bay of Tokyo for the signing of the Japanese surrender. After retiring from the Navy Paul returned to school in 1958 and received a Bachelor’s degree in education. He went on to earn a Masters of Education and taught geography at Kirkwood High School from 1960-69. Paul became assistant principal and earned the nicknames “Papa” or “Lightning.” He was everyone’s “Papa” until his death.
Paul and Beatrice retired and moved to Florida in 1979 and remained there until 2011 when they returned to St. Louis. Paul was a kind and gentle man with a beautiful smile which he gave freely. He loved children and served in the Melbourne Baptist Church nursery for 30 years with the two year olds. Paul was proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Left to mourn his loss and celebrate his remarkable life is a daughter Nancy (Gary) of St. Louis and four sons, Gary of Wisconsin, Howard and Tim of Pennsylvania and Ron (Jill) in Florida. He was preceded in death by a son John (wife Pat). The family expresses much appreciation to the wonderful care Paul received while in St. Louis. He lived at Garden Villas South and finally at Manor Grove.
Memorial Service 4 pm Sat. June 23, Hoffmeister South County Chapel, 1515 Lemay Ferry Rd. Visitation 2 pm until time of svc, and following svc until 7 pm. Memorial Donations are appreciated to www.lifewaters.org .
