Paul Leo Worstell Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Paul Leo Worstell, 81, of Salem, Missouri, passed away at 12:14 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Paul was born in Cuba, MO on September 13, 1937, to the late Charles William Worstell and Minnie May (Williams) Worstell. He entered military service while attending Rolla High School and completed his education during his enlistment. Paul was a proud war veteran, serving as a chef and paratrooper in the U.S. Army, and was a member of the American Legion. Paul served in many roles throughout his career -- a rodeo cowboy as a steer wrestler and calf roper; various law enforcement positions; a Chrysler Corporation employee; a nurse at Washington (MO) Hospital; an electrician; a pole climber for telephone company (his most favorite); and, a Garden Associate and People Greeter for Wal-Mart (in St. Robert and Salem). He was also an ordained minister and evangelist. As if that wasn’t enough, he bred and trained dogs (Great Pyrenees and fox hounds) and many types of fowl; he and his late wife Janet originated the Salem Small Animals Swap at MFA; He farmed and tended his gardens; and entertained all with his stories, jokes, impromptu songs and music. He enjoyed playing his harmonica, guitar, and dobro. He would take any topic and turn it into a song to make you smile. He had a loving, gentle heart and loved deeply. If you knew him, you couldn’t help but love him. Paul married Diana in 2010 and relished their shared time traveling, communicating with family and tending animals. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend, Being a people person, his stories and sense of humor endeared him to everyone he met. Paul is survived by his loving wife: Diana of the home; one step son: Eddie (Jami Jordan) Justice of Salem, MO; four children: Wanda Worstell, Bill Worstell, Paul Loye Worstell and Kay Burns; three siblings: Gene Worstell, Flora Toalson and Frank Worstell; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and friends. Paul was preceded in death by his mother and father; previous wife of 32 years, Janet Chambers Worstell; siblings, Thomas Silvester, Charles Loye, infant Claude Robert, Sophronia Frances Allen, infant JC, infant twins Arlene and Darlene, Teddy Dale; children, Paula Worstell and Billie Jean Worstell; and grandchild, Jessica McCabe. Paul will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral Service for Paul Leo Worstell was held Saturday, April 27, 2019 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Youth Pastor Lonnie Mosley officiating. Song selections played were "It Is Well With My Soul", "Amazing Grace" and "Go Rest High". Serving as Paul Bearers (pallbearers) were Eddie Justice, Jami Jordan, David Watanabe, Michael Watanabe, Ben Butterworth, Dan Burns, Gabriel Ikeke and Ted Worstell, Jr. Internment with Military Honors was in the Elk Prairie Cemetery in Rolla, Missouri. All arrangements were under the direction and care of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri.

Paul Leo Worstell

September 13, 1937 - April 23, 2019