PAUL LIND

Paul Lind, 75 of Creal Springs, Illinois passed away February 9, 2015 surrounded by his loving family at the Veterans Administration Community Living Center in Marion, Illinois after a very brief struggle with cancer. Paul rested comfortably in his final days sharing a room there with his brother Sam, also fighting the same courageous battle.
Born at home on January, 20 1940, to Henry and Grace (Wall) Lind, Paul went on to serve honorably in the United States Army. He later became a proud member of the United Mine Workers Association retiring as mine examiner in 1994 from Old Ben Mine #25 in West Frankfort, Illinois.
Paul's true joy came from his four grandchildren; Olivia, Forrest, Grace and Andrew. Paul was blessed with having almost two distinctive 'generations' of grand kids to love. As a younger grandpa, Paul drew great pleasure in participating in the upbringing of Olivia and Forrest. Coming along later in his life, Gracie and Andy kept him young and laughing.
Paul built his dream retirement home on the family farm where he was raised, just outside of Creal Springs. He liked to call this his "little piece of paradise" and he meticulously cared for the grounds. Paul would host the annual family reunion with his signature fish fry and hushpuppies that brought together family members, as well as friends that were like family.
Paul had a zest for life and attributed his high energy to having his head hit the pillow no later than 8 PM and awakening before dawn. He never met a stranger and looked forward to meeting with his friends at Kay's Sugar Creek Café. Paul was a lifelong Cub's fan and in recent years finally saw them live at Wrigley Field with his daughter Jill at a game in which the Cubbies actually won.
Paul was an avid fisherman and treasured the time he and his son, Bart, spent together pulling in the big Crappies on Crab Orchard Lake, the Ohio River and other local fishing haunts.
Paul is survived by his son Bart (Amy) Lind of Johnston City, Illinois, daughter Jill (David) Ott of O'Fallon, Illinois, daughter LaNena Evette Gatlin of Marlow, Oklahoma, grandchildren Olivia Lind of Salt Lake City, Utah, Forrest Lind of Carbondale, Illinois, Grace Ott and Andrew Ott both of O'Fallon, Illinois, Christopher (Tina) Gatlin of Seattle, Washington, Benjamin Gatlin of Marlow, Oklahoma, great-grandchildren Lauren and Brayden Gatlin both of Seattle, Washington and Brody Gatlin of Marlow, Oklahoma, one sister Louise Buie of Sycamore, IL, brothers Sam (Helen) Lind of Johnston City, Illinois, Al (Fannie) Lind of Fairfield, Iowa, and Gary (Jan) Lind of Marion, IL, and special friend, Nancy Williams of Marion, Illinois along with many loving nieces and nephews.
Paul is preceded in death by his father and mother; as well as brother, Jim Lind; brother-in-law, Al Buie; and nephew Richard "Jack" Lind.
The family would like to recognize Raymund Pineda, M.D. and Michael Little, M.D. in appreciation of their kind and thoughtful professionalism throughout Paul's limited treatment and the dedicated and compassionate hospice staff at the Veterans Administration Community Living Center for their dignified care in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Community Living Center at the Veterans Administration in Marion, Illinois. Envelopes will be made available at the funeral home.
Services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Friday February 13, 2015, in the Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City with Pastor Jeff Owens officiating. Burial will be in Simmons Cemetery in Creal Springs. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Marion V.F.W., American Legion, and the Illinois Army National Guard.

The family would ask for family and friends to bring their favorite photographs of Paul to share.