Marion – Paul Samuel Barnwell, 84, of Marion, passed away at John Cochran Veteran’s Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri with his son by his side on Sunday, July 21, 2019.
Paul was born October 3, 1934 in Marion to John A. and Opal M. (Graves) Barnwell. He attended Marion schools and graduated from Marion High School in 1952. He served in the United States Army in Okinawa from 1955 – 1957.
Paul was united in marriage to Mamie Pippie on March 21, 1959, at the First United Methodist Church in Marion. They shared 59 years of marriage until her death on April 26, 2018.
He retired from the Marion Fire Department in 1982 and worked in the concrete business until 1999. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and one of his most prized possessions was the mounted 21-pound bass from a tournament he won in Florida. Paul also loved horses and horseracing.
Paul is survived by his son Samuel William Barnwell of Marion; daughter Laura Ann Barnwell Sims of Eldorado; grandsons Anthony Sims and Austin Sims; granddaughter Stephanie Jennings; great grandchildren Aiden, Austyn, and Addy Sims; brother John E. Barnwell; sister-in-law Mary Ann Reggio; nieces Carla S. Barnwell and Maria L. Barnwell Hafford; nieces and nephews Vince Kelley and family, Valerie Mabry and family, Sal Reggio, Diana Kinnamon and family, Angela Daughtery and family, Mitch Kane and family, Sherry Kelley, Todd Kelley and family; great nephew John (Jack) B.G. Hafford; several great nieces and nephews; special neighbors- Jeanette Newell and Brad and Jenine Lowe.
He was preceded in death by his Parents; wife Mamie; and brother James William “Barney” Barnwell.
Paul’s wishes were to be cremated and his ashes mixed with Mamie’s. They will be buried together in the family cemetery at Spring Grove. A Memorial service will be Monday, July 29, 2019 at 7 pm at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home with Rev. Charles Fox officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 5 pm until the time of service at the funeral home. Military rites will be presented at 5 pm by members of the Marion VFW Post #1301, American Legion Post #147 and National Guard Flag Detail Unit.
For additional information or to sign the guest memorial register please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.