Paul Pilling, 96, of Macedonia, passed away on February 11, 2015 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak, IA. Celebration of Life gathering will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2015 at the Loess Hills Funeral Home in Carson. Private Graveside Services.
Memorials: Directed to the family
Paul Lewis Pilling, the youngest of seven children of Anna Wilda Lewis and William Grant Pilling, was born on December 26, 1918 in Macedonia, Iowa. At the young age of 7, his mother passed away from cancer. Paul went to live with his only sister, Lorraine, who raised him. He was an uncle to her children, James and Marilyn, but growing up together, it felt more like they were his brother and sister. Paul graduated from the Macedonia High School in 1936. He moved to Ohio to work in a file factory and coal mine. Paul returned to Iowa and married Daisy Mae Moore on April 8, 1939 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Larry, Paula, and Marcia. The next four years he worked road construction in Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas. He operated a bulldozer and was part of the crew that built Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, Fort Riley in Kansas, and Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. Paul was a finish operator on most of the construction projects due to his exceptional dirt work skills. In August of 1943, Paul enlisted in the United States Army and served during World War II. He was stationed with the Combat Engineers in China, Burma, and India. He was discharged in December 1945. Paul began farming in 1947 until his passing.
Paul enjoyed farming and loved dirt work. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting with his hunting dogs and fishing. Paul and Daisy enjoyed square dancing in the surrounding communities for several decades. He loved reading, especially western books. He enjoyed riding his gator. He enjoyed sharing his stories and visiting with others. Paul was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a good friend to all who knew and loved him. His family was his pride and joy.
Paul passed away at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital inr Red Oak, Iowa on February 11, 2015, at the age of 96 years, 1 month, and 14 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law Dennis Peterson; brothers, Vernon, William, John, Norris and Joseph Pilling; and sister Lorraine Henry.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 75 years, Daisy Pilling; children, Larry Pilling and wife Susie of Macedonia, Paula Peterson of Davenport, IA, and Marcia Pilling of Seattle, WA; four grandchildren, Leslie Pilling and husband Kirk, Lisa Allen and husband Nick, Ryan Peterson and wife Lindsey, Kyle Peterson and wife Breanna; five great grandchildren, Jackson Paul, Daizy Sue, Lillian, Haylee, and Addison; extended relatives and a host of special friends.
Tributes
Emily wrote on Feb 17, 2015:
"I am very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you in this difficult time. I hope you may find comfort at Revelation 21:4, "And he (God) will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." We can look forward to the time when God will take away all reasons for distress and he even gives us a hope of a resurrection. (Acts 24:15)"
Darrell and Marsha wrote on Feb 17, 2015:
"Growing up with Great Uncle Pauli in we Houser boy's lives, it was a lot of work putting up hay in the blistering heat, but was also a lot of fun. He usually had a smile on his face while teasing us. Without the many stories that I could add, he had a great heart. "
Rex & Marian Hoffman wrote on Feb 16, 2015:
"So sorry for your loss. "
Diane Schiller wrote on Feb 16, 2015:
"So sorry for your loss. I'm thinking of you ALL. God Bless ."
Margine Henry wrote on Feb 16, 2015:
"Sorry, I didn't know of visitation until Monday. I have many good memories of Paul & Daisy. No better people in the country. May he rest in peace."
Sharon Tiekotter wrote on Feb 15, 2015:
"We have many wonderful memories of our times with Paul and Daisy.Took lots of great trips. Paul always had lots of words of wisdom that I'll always treasure.Great guy! Loved him. "
Roger and Susie Day wrote on Feb 14, 2015:
"Thoughts and Prayers to all your family. We will miss his wave every time we drove by. "
Jack & Ruth wrote on Feb 14, 2015:
"Our thoughts and prayers go to the family. We will miss our good neighbor of 39 years. He always would wave when he would go by our house."
Toni Casson wrote on Feb 14, 2015:
"So sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all"