On December 21, 2020, as the “Christmas Star” became visible, Paul Gerard Werling hitched his ride to heaven. Born with cerebral palsy on May 16, 1968, in New York, Paul faced challenges most cannot even imagine. Through perseverance and determination, Paul overcame enormous physical obstacles.
Paul and his family moved to Baton Rouge and soon began therapies at the Cerebral Palsy Center (now The McMains Children’s Developmental Center) and Paul actively helped promote its mission. He was mainstreamed in elementary school, graduated from Tara High with honors and entered Louisiana Tech where he continued to excel.
Paul’s strong work ethic equipped him for supervised, independent living and the ability to perform numerous physical tasks despite having limited mobility. He volunteered at the Baton Rouge General for over ten years and then worked as a courier at Our Lady of the Lake making many friends along the way. Paul loved his family, faith, dogs, eating, and a strong dose of sarcasm.
Paul is survived by his parents Ralph and Barbara Werling; three sisters, Ruth May (Gus), Geri Sutton (Chuck), Suzanne Morrison (Michael); two brothers, Michael (Stephanie) and Ralph (Anne) and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family thanks the personal caregivers and support staff who helped Paul be as independent as possible and Pinnacle Hospice, Hometown Senior Care, and Moore Care who made his last days comfortable. A Memorial Mass to celebrate Paul’s life will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on Saturday, January 16 at 10:00 a.m. Please remember Covid rules apply.
The family respectfully requests memorials be made to McMains Children’s Developmental Center, 1805 College Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808.
