Funeral services will be held for Paul Wesly Essex, 82, of Chickasha, at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, September 19, 2011, in the Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel with Kim Hayes officiating.
Paul Wesly Essex was born March 18, 1929, in Alliance, Nebraska, to Elmer W. and Helen Lore Essex. He passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, in Chickasha.
As a child, he rode a horse to a country school in Box Butte County, Nebraska, and after school he helped herd cattle. He got his aircraft pilot’s license before he graduated from high school and was involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA). He enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a tail gunner on a TBM Avenger and as an aircraft armorer.
After discharge from the Navy, he married Verna Lorraine Carter in Alliance, Nebraska, on May 21, 1950. They had five children.
Paul and his family lived in Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Colorado where he worked in heating and air conditioning. He operated his own heating and air business in Lakewood, Colorado, for many years. He was also involved with Boy Scouts and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society.
Paul and Verna retired to Chickasha in 1995, where he was active in the American Legion and the Medical Reserve Corps. Over the years, Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing, painting and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by: both parents; two brothers, Harold Essex and William Essex; and one sister, Norma Hargis.
He is survived by: wife Verna of the home; four sons, Dr. Thomas Essex and wife Mary Ann of Chickasha, David Essex of Lakewood, Colorado, Jerry Essex and wife Juanita of Blackhawk, Colorado, and Walter Jay Essex and wife Debbie of Denver, Colorado; one daughter, Janette Wright and husband Floyd of Owasso, Oklahoma; one brother, Dean Essex of Clyde Park, Montana; ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one great great-grandchild.
Interment will be at 11:00 a.m. in the Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, Oklahoma under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.