NORMAN — Paul Machel, 90, passed away Friday, Jan. 11, 2013 in Norman. He was born May 20, 1922 in Fort Worth, Texas. As an infant, he was adopted by A.C. and Cennie Sue Machel. He was raised in Wichita Falls, Texas and graduated High School in 1940.
He served with the Allied Forces Mediterranean Theater during WWII. Paul was honorably discharged on Dec. 31, 1945. He then resumed his education at the University of Texas, where he graduated in 1947. After graduation Paul worked for the Fort Worth/Denver Railway in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Paul subsequently went to work in the gas production plant in Snyder, Texas in October of 1952.
In December of that same year Paul married Bertie E. Williamson in Burkburnett, Texas. They had two children Paula and Kathy. They continued to live in Snyder, Texas until his transfer to Norman in 1965.
Paul retired from Monsanto in 1985 and worked for BHP America for the next two years. Paul was an avid volunteer throughout his life. Norman Regional Hospital and the YMCA were two of the places where he volunteered his time.
After retirement, he kept busy with his swimming and gardening and was always the first to help friends and neighbors. One of the greatest joys in Paul’s life was his grandchildren and the time he spent with them.
Paul is survived by his wife Bertie of 60 years; two daughters, Paula Denner of Oklahoma City and Kathy Quigley and her husband Jim of Oklahoma City; five grandchildren, Lanie, Leslie, and Paul Denner; Bryan and Connor Quigley; five nieces, Elaine Cox of Louisiana, Joan Clayborn of California, Sherry Baker, Reba Baker and Diane Warden of Texas; three nephews, John Machel of Texas, Charles Boman of Oregon and Steve Boman of Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Albert Machel; three sisters-in-law, Helen Hughes, Ruby Elliott and Blanche Boman.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Cleveland County Family YMCA, 1350 Lexington Ave, Norman, Oklahoma, 73069.
The Machel family will greet friends from 6 – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013 at the Havenbrook Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013 in The Chapel of the Havenbrook Funeral Home, 3401 Havenbrook Street in Norman. Burial will conclude in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Norman. Arrangements for Paul and his family were placed in the care of the Vice Family at the Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman. Online condolences may be shared at www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com
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