Pauls, Henry B. (1880-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Jul 31 p. 8

Birth date: 1880 Jul 1

text of obituary:

HENRY B. PAULS

My husband and our father, Henry B. Pauls, the son of Henry H. and Agatha Ediger Pauls, was born near Inman, Kansas on July 1, 1880, and left this world to be with his Savior and Lord on the morning of July 3, 1958. He attained to the age of 78 years and two days.

He grew up in the Inman community and received his meager formal education there.

On June13, 1901, he was united with Minnie Keim in holy wedlock. This union was blessed with four sons. Their firstborn son died in infancy which caused them deep sorrow.

In 1907 he realized his lost condition and his great need of the Savior, when he received by faith. On April 19, 1908, he followed Christ into the baptismal water and affiliated with the K. M. B. Church.

In 1904 our family moved to the Hooker, Okla. community where father made our livelihood by farming and the Lord blessed his efforts.

He was active in the church, and in 1913 he was elected to the ministry. Four years later he was ordained. He joined the Mennonite Brethren Church near Hooker in 1919 and was elected as the assistant leader in 1951 [sic 1921?]. In 1924 he became the leader of the church and served in that capacity for about 20 years. He loved to serve the Lord and the church. It was quite difficult at times for he had to make his living by farming and serve the church also. He experienced many trials but also many blessings.

In August 1941 our parents moved to Reedley, Calif. Here he farmed for a few years and later worked at day labor.

Our mother passed away on June 12, 1944, which left a great void in his life.

On August 18, 1946, he united with Mrs. Margaret Wiens in holy wedlock.

At the end of 1954 his health began to fail and on Dec. 7, 1956, he suffered a stroke from which he never recovered. He had been bedfast ever since and needed constant care. The children are most grateful to mother Pauls for the tender care she gave their father.

He was a good and kind father to us, being deeply concerned about the salvation of his children and grandchildren.

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, Mrs. Margaret Pauls of Reedley, and Pete Pauls of Hooker, Okla.; three daughters-in-law; 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; seven step-children; three brothers, Peter Pauls of Buhler, Kansas, John Pauls of Inman, Kansas, George Pauls of Reedley; four sisters, Elizabeth, Mrs. J. W. Kroeker of Reedley, Agatha, Mrs. Abe Dirks of Hesston, Kansas, Justina, Mrs. Canada of Denver, Colo., and Katherine, Mrs. P. W. Kroeker of Hutchinson, Kansas; and many other relatives and friends.

The funeral was conducted in the Reedley M. B. Church on Monday, July 7, 1958, with the pastors, Dan E. Friesen and H. R. Wiens, officiating. — The Family.