Paul Magathan

Paul Irving Magathan was born July 17, 1921, at home in rural Lyon County, Kansas, the only son and firstborn of four children to Emmett Monford Magathan and Frances Agnes (nee Rippert) Magathan. He attended Badger Creek country school, Sacred Heart Grade School, and Emporia High School, graduating with the class of 1939. The same year, at the age of 18, he moved with his family to rural Clements in Chase County. He resided on the same land thereafter until his death on Oct. 23, 2017, at the age of 96 in Cottonwood Falls.

On June 12, 1945, he married Lorena Marie Ludwig of Homestead at St. Anthony’s Church of Strong City. Paul and Lorena were married for 72 years. To this union were born five children: Emmett, Charles, Jo, Mary Ann, and Imogene. Except for his devotion to God through his church and his love for Lorena, nothing was more important to Paul than his family. Nothing. At his death, he had 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. He loved them all and prayed for each daily.

Paul is survived by his wife, Lorena, of the home; his children, Emmett and wife, Mary Beth, of Harvest, Alabama; Charles and wife, Mary, of Cedar Point; Joe and wife, Cheryl, of Peabody; Mary Ann and friend, Bernie Lundy, of Independence, Missouri; and Imogene Devlin and husband, Mike, of Goddard; his sister, Patricia Stunkel and husband, Bill, of Andover; and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Paul received many recognitions. He was quick to point out that none were possible without the help of Lorena and his children. The Magathans won the 1973 Chase County Banker’s Award and 1989 Chase County Conservation Award, both for exceptional conservation practices. They were the 1998 Chase County Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year.

Paul and Lorena were hosts to more than 20 exchange students from many different countries.

Paul was very active in the Knights of Columbus, holding all council offices including that of Grand Knight.

The family met friends Thursday at Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home in Cottonwood Falls. A Rosary was recited Friday, with a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emporia. Burial followed at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Memorial contributions to St. Anthony Catholic Church may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 220, Cottonwood Falls KS 66845. Condolence messages may be left at www.brown-bennett-alexander.com or at Brown-Bennett-Alexander on Facebook.