Paul E. Pearson

Paul E. Pearson, 95, of Olathe, Kansas passed away on January 31, 2020. He was born to Walter and Myrtle Pearson on February 29, (leap day) 1924 in Avondale, Missouri. He would have celebrated his 24th birthday this February.

Paul was a World War II veteran. He enlisted on February 4, 1943 and received an honorable discharge on January 7, 1946. During his service, he was stationed at Guadalcanal, New Guinea, New Caledonia, and Leyte Island in the Philippines. While in the Army, he earned the rank of Corporal and was a cannoneer in the 967th AAA Gun Battalion.

Paul married Elma Jane McCauley Taylor on November 22, 1952. During their married life they lived in Kansas City, Appleton City and Belton Missouri, as well as, Olathe, Kansas. They had 4 children, Cindy Graves (Olathe), Paula Hill and husband Greg (Spring Hill), Tomi Pearson (deceased), and William “Matt” Pearson (DeSoto). Paul leaves behind 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elma; parents, Walter and Myrtle; siblings, Walter Gene and Florence Keefer; as well as his daughter, Tomi.

He worked at the General Motors plant in Fairfax for 30 years. First as an assembler on the line and then as a painter in the Maintenance Department. It was while working at General Motors that he met his best friend, Willie Wise. After Elma’s death in 2008, Paul and Willie were inseparable. Everyone who knew Paul also knew Willie, his devoted and long time best friend.

Paul loved watching KU basketball, Royals baseball, and the Kansas City Chiefs football with Willie and anyone else who wanted to join them. Paul had macular degeneration and it was difficult for him to see the television but Willie would decribe the action to him. He probably was yelling as loud as anyone while the Super Bowl was being played. He would have been excited by the Chiefs win.

Visitation will be 12PM, with services to follow at 1PM, Thursday, February 6 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd.; burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be 12PM, with services to follow at 1PM, Thursday, February 6 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd.; burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.