Paul Eberhard
Paul Frederick Eberhard, 84, Salina, died May 13, 2003.
He was the son of Louis and Emma (Schroke) Eberhard and was born March 15, 1919, at Whitewater.
He and his older brother, Charles, and sister, Dorothy, attended Claypool School south of Whitewater. In 1925, the family bought a farmstead northwest of Peabody and the children attended Bond School located in the section south of their farm. Paul continued his education at Peabody High School, graduating in 1937. He then attended Wichita Business College.
Paul joined the 127th Field Artillery Battalion, U.S. Army, in March 1941, serving in many battles during World War II. On Oct. 30, 1945, he was honorably discharged. He returned to Peabody to care for his ailing mother until her death in 1961.
He married Julianna (Loomis) Barry and they lived in Peabody, Hillsboro, and Hope. She died in 1982.
He was a lineman for KPL for almost 35 years, retiring in 1980.
Paul loved sports, especially golf. He taught grandchildren to play and participated in tournaments with them. He also enjoyed playing golf with friends, eagerly lining up a partner each season.
He had a passion for playing cards and taught the grandchildren to play. He played every chance he had, especially with his Herington friends after the weekly round of golf.
In 1993, Paul became a member of the Blue Lodge Masons in Dwight #374, Kansas York Rite member and Isis Shrine. He was past president of the greeters' shrine unit and a diligent worker.
He was a member of the Moose Club of Salina and a member for more than 50 years of American Legion Post 95 of Peabody.
Until recently he was a longtime member of the Herington Country Club Golf Association, traveling from Salina to Herington for the weekly golf game.
A member of the KPL retiree group of Salina and Abilene, he was a faithful member of the Jolly Mixers Dance Club until his health failed.
In the past year, he enjoyed the Golden Years Club at the senior center and participated as often as he could.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother; and sister.
Survivors include his companion of 12 years, Peggy Thies of Salina; stepson, Steve Barry; step-granddaughter, Shannan Burns; step- great-grandson, Kobe Burns; nephews; nieces; and a host of friends as well as Thies' children of Long Island, N.Y., San Antonio, Texas, Edmond, Okla., and Olathe, and many cousins.
Funeral services were held Friday morning at Salina First Christian Church with the Revs. Gary and Kim Rae officiating.
Special music, "In the Garden" and "On the Wings of a Snow White Dove," was sung by Paul Robbins.
Masonic graveside rites were performed by Salina Blue Lodge member Glenn Kohr.
Military graveside services were held Friday afternoon at Prairie Lawn Cemetery with the Rev. Gary Rae officiating.
Memorial funds have been established with Salina First Christian Church building fund, the Shrine hospital travel fund, and Hospice of Salina.
