Paul Gaylord

Paul Gaylord, 81, of Keokuk passed away peacefully Saturday evening February 23, 2019, at River Hills Village, Keokuk, surrounded by family and loved ones. Paul was born September 18, 1937 in Hinsdale, Illinois, to Frank and Erva Spier Gaylord. He was united in marriage to Carol Eileen Grossman on August 12, 1956 in Donnellson, IA, she survives. Paul received an Associate's Degree at Keokuk Community College in 1958, a Bachelor's Degree from Western Illinois University in education in 1960, and a Master's Degree from Illinois State University in Counseling and School Administration in 1964. To say that Paul dedicated his life to educating individuals would be a huge understatement. Paul worked in the Keokuk Community School District for 28 years. He was a counselor for 9 years, an Assistant Principal for 3 years and Principal of Keokuk Middle School for 16 years. One of the highlights of Paul's career in education was in 1988 when on behalf of Keokuk Middle School, he received the award for Excellence in Education from President Ronald Reagen at the White House. Not only was Paul active in the education community, he was also active at Trinity United Methodist Church and ...[more]

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g in the Choir. He also enjoyed singing with the St. Barnabas choir of Montrose. Paul traveled the world with his wife, Eileen, walked a few fairways on the golf course, and did intensive research in genealogy. In appreciate for his dedication to the Keokuk school system, then Mayor Ronald O. Bramhall, declared June 4th National Paul Gaylord Day. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Eileen; two sons, Rick (Jan) Gaylord of Keokuk, Steven Dean (Rhonda) Gaylord of Indianapolis, IN; and one daughter, Julia Ann Varner (Matt Kamakares) of Davenport, IA; nine grandchildren, Kerri (Mike) Rose of Parker, CO, Chris (Kathee) Hughes of Keokuk, IA, Meghan (Jeremey) Leenerts of Hamilton, IL, Brock Odle of Anderson, IN, Chase Odle of Indianapolis, IN, Beaux Campbell of Lacey, WA, Corey Gaylord of Indianapolis, IN, Sean (Michele) Lefler of Davenport, IA, and Rachel (Zach) Henzen of Guam, USA; several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; one brother, David Gaylord of Milwaukee, WI; and one sister, Marilyn Lowenberg of Rochelle, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, two half-brothers, and one sister. Funeral Services for Paul will be Thursday, February 28, 2019, at 11am at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2330 Plank Road, Keokuk, IA with Pastor Jeff Bixby officiating. Family will greet friends and loved ones following the service in the Fellowship Hall at Trinity United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations be made for a memorial project at River Hills in the Garden Court section. Tributes and condolences may be entered at dejongsfuneralhomes.com.