Bruce L. Paul, 81, Galesburg, formerly of Aledo, died Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at Genesis Medical Center in Davenport. Cremation has been accorded. A time of fellowship to celebrate his life will take place at The Depot in Aledo from 2-5 PM on Sunday, January 14, 2024. The family requests that memorials in his name be sent directly to your favorite charity.
Bruce was born August 13, 1942, in Macomb, Illinois, to H. Leland and Ada Wilson Paul. He graduated from Alwood High School in 1960. He later graduated from SIU in Carbondale with a master’s degree in education. On September 16, 1962, he married Betty Metzner in Alpha, Il.
He began his teaching career in Georgetown, Illinois, moving to Aledo in 1967. Bruce was employed by the Aledo Unit School District #201 as a junior high social studies and P.E. teacher. He coached high school football, as well as junior high track and basketball before retiring in 2001. He also spent many years working for the Aledo Park District and managing the Aledo swimming pool.
Officiating various high school and junior high sports was something Bruce enjoyed greatly. In later years, he was active with Aledo Main Street and was a driver for Veterans’ Affairs. He enjoyed following all kinds of sports and was an avid reader. His love for his grandchildren and great- grandchildren was boundless.
Survivors include his wife, Betty; daughter, Teresa (Bill) Varney of Battle Lake, MN; son, Matthew (Tricia) Paul of Little York; two grandchildren, Chase (Kristen) Rickord of Raleigh, NC, and Haley Paul of Little York; great-grandchildren, Mayala and Adalyn Rickord; sister, Karen (Jim Evans) of Concord, NC; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and brother, Chuck, preceded him in death.
Online guestbook at www.wheelanpressly.com.
