Paul Rea

As a Korean War Veteran, Paul Rea was proud of his service in the U.S. Army. He did well for himself and his family through his work, and possessed a driven nature. Thoughout Paul's life he set his standards high and expected much from those around him, but in time his warmhearted nature shone bright as he mellowed with age. Paul left this life with much to be thankful for and will be dearly remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Dominated by one of the worst economic crises in American history, the Great Depression was an economic calamity for nearly all of the U.S. population. During the year 1930, unemployment numbers increased to just over 24 percent with an astounding 13 million out of work. With shantytowns cropping up from coast to coast, many ordinary citizens struggled to keep their families fed, clothed and a roof over their heads. Even so, the entertainment industry grew by leaps and bounds which was a welcome deviation from everyday worries. For Willard Malcolm and Eva (Worthington) Rea, the year offered hope and promise as they celebrated the birth of their son, Paul on March 24, 1930.

The third of eventually four children, Paul was born in Terre Haute, Indiana where his family made their home. As a youngster his family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where his father worked in a local foundry, and his mother remained home caring for Paul and his siblings, Maxine, Dorothy and Robert. At their home in the Black Hills area of the City on Grandville Ave, he made many neighborhood friends and he found his share of mischief as a young boy, usually alongside his brother, Robert. His elementary years were spent at nearby Hall Street Elementary School and went on to attend South High School through the tenth grade.

Before long Paul’s life was in for some new and drastic changes. Left to raise her four young children alone after her husband died in the war, Cora Belle Maynard found her way into Paul’s heart. Although 14 years older than Paul, he and Cora fell in love and happily married on April 9, 1950. An instant family right from the start, Paul took on a fatherly role to the new children in his life, Thomas, Mona, James and Linda and in 1951 he and Cora together were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Paula.

With the onset of the Korean War, Paul was soon drafted in to the U.S. Army. He served from 1951 to 1953 and worked a mechanic. Although separated from his family, he counted these years as some of the greatest years of his life. Along with having learned much and the many friendships he made, Paul foremost was rightfully proud of having served his country.

Following his honorable discharge, Paul returned to his awaiting family at their home on Blaine Street where they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Cara in 1955. He began working at General Motors but left shortly thereafter when he was hired by the Kent County Road Commission as a truck driver. With a need for additional living space, Paul and Cora packed up their family in 1959 and moved to the Canonsburg area. As a man Paul was quite driven and as a father he was often times strict. Although he required much from his children, Paul's demeanor greatly changed as he mellowed with age.

The holidays were always special in the Rea household, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas when fond memories were made. Everyone gathered at their home and after the ladies spent the day in the kitchen cooking and baking, they all sat down to a wonderfully prepared holiday meal. Many enjoyable times were shared among Paul’s family during these days as well as big Sunday dinners together. He loved Cora’s biscuits and gravy, and anything made with strawberries. The traditions continued when in 1965 they moved to a home on Big Brouwer Lake in Rockford where Paul remained for the rest of his days.

Paul did well for himself with the road commission and it became a large part of his life. From truck driver he went on to maintenance before becoming a foreman. He later transferred to the North Complex of the road commission, serving there as foreman as well. A tightly woven group, Paul and his co-workers were very close and for the 40 years he spent working there he was proud of the many bonds of friendship he shared working there. Paul’s mechanical skills always came in handy. When it came to working on engines, it was as if he had a sixth sense. He could literally distinguish one car from another by the sound it made and could diagnose a car problem just hearing it drive by. When it came to lending a hand, he liked people coming to him for assistance.

Besides working with his hands and his great mechanical ability, Paul took time to enjoy the big band sounds. Many Saturday evenings were shared with neighbors at the lake for potluck dinners followed by dancing underneath the stars. Although he enjoyed a little fishing, he loved taking his pontoon boat out on the open waters. The Fourth of July celebrations at the lake were exceptional and Paul’s favorite. The parade of boats was usually followed with an ice cream social and Paul always topped the night off with fireworks fired from his canoe. Each Tuesday and Thursday was fishing night on the lake and on those nights he particularly liked going for rides on his pontoon so he could check out their catches.

Over the years Paul and Cora enjoyed day trips with his sister Dorothy and her husband, Bud. Some of their excursions found them traveling up north where Paul was sure to pick up his favorite Mackinaw Fudge. Many enjoyable picnics were also shared between the couples, especially to Terre Haute, Indiana to take in the beautiful display of fall colors.

It was difficult for Paul and his family when Cora passed away from cancer in 1993. He kept busy and spent much time with his brother, Robert whom Paul remained close to. "Partners in crime", they did much together, especially following Cora’s death. Like the kids they once were, Paul and Robert could always find themselves getting into something!

Paul suffered a stroke in 2002 which slowed down his lifestyle and way of living. Just a week ago he was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and at the age of 80 Paul suddenly died on Friday, January 14, 2010. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Along with his wife, Paul was preceded in death by his siblings: Maxine (Merle) Olman and Dorothy (Bud) Grooters; daughter-in-law, Ann Maynard. He is survived by his children: Thomas Maynard, Mona Dreyer, James (Betty) Maynard, Linda (Roland) Agrilla, Paula (Ron) Dill; Cara (Wayne) Newton; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Sharon) Rea; numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held for Paul on Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 1:00 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Friends may visit with his family prior to the service from 12:00-1:00 PM. Contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of one's choice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a lasting memory, photo or to sign his guest book online.