Obituary for Sonny Paul

Obituary for Sonny Paul

Graveside service for Leonard “Sonny” Paul, 78, of Spiro is 9 a.m. Monday at Miner’s Cemetery in McCurtain with James Dill officiating.

Burial will follow at Miners Cemetery, under the direction of Grace Funeral Service of Poteau, Oklahoma.

Sonny was born March 30, 1946 in Claremore to Alice (Barnett) Paul and Phillip Paul and passed away May 27, 2024 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Born as Leonard Phillip Paul, it was his father that nicknamed him “Sonny Boy’ and then later “Sonny Man”. Sonny is the name that stayed with him throughout his life. Those that knew and loved him, knew Sonny Paul, rather than Leonard.

Sonny was raised in McCurtain and served in the United States Air Force. After an honorable discharge, he later became a certified welder. Sonny spent most of his working career employed with Los Angeles County California until his retirement.

Sonny enjoyed target shooting and was a collector of watches, jewelry, pocket knives, and ball point pens. He made his home in Spiro in the latter part of his life. Sonny was a proud father of five children, and the happy grandfather of eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. If you knew Sonny, you knew that his love was genuine and so was his Christian faith.

Survivors include his daughters Tonya Michles of Riverside, California, Tina Paul of Jurupa Valley, California, Tamara Dedmon of Bloomington, California, and Terri Hart and husband Daniel of Taylor, Texas; son, Tony Paul, of Watford City, North Dakota; grandchildren Jena Michles of Riverside, California, Chad Michles of Rancho Cucamonga, California, William Patterson of Spiro, Katrina Martinez of Highland, California,  Makayla and Kaleb Dedmon of Bloomington, California, Rebecca and Joshua Hart of Taylor, Texas; great grandchildren Nelayna Guiterrez of Murrieta, California, Joshua, Kendra, Jade, and Kamille Martinez all of Highland, California; sisters Nancy Poor and husband Lanny of Heavener, Helen Davidson of Poteau; and a brother, Larry Paul, of Fort Smith, Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Mary Shelton.

Pallbearers are Randy Paul, Keith Paul, Loyd Nixon, Larry Nixon, Don Crockett and William Patterson. Honorary pallbearers are James Dill and Rickey Paul.

You may leave an online message at www.gracemanorfh.com.