Paul, Ernest J. 'Ernie'

Ernest J. “Ernie” Paul, 76, of Toddville, died Sunday, July 3, 2011, at the Hiawatha Care Center, Hiawatha, Iowa. Services: 11 a.m. Friday, July 8, 2011, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion, by Rev. Sheri Anderson. The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 7, 2011, at the funeral home. Burial: Dunkard Cemetery, Toddville, Iowa, with military honors.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Betty; his children, Sherry (Tom) Sparks of Toddville, Dean (Jackie) Paul of Toddville, and Ernest “Shawn” (Brenda) Paul of Toddville; nine grandchildren, Travis Offerman, Tony Paul, Corissa Marti, Andy Paul, Brady Paul, Keegan Paul, Taylor Paul, Bryce Paul, and Lacey Paul; five stepgrandchildren, Cindy Leighty, Michael Sparks, Ashley Sparks, Audrey Sparks, and Brooklyn VanAntwerp; seven great-grandchildren; and siblings, Bob Paul of Edgewood, Kenneth “Ted” Paul of Central City, Alberta (Ed) Begley of Marion, Kate DeSotel of Coggon, and twin brother, Everett (Ann) Paul of Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Gerald Paul and Darwin “Clem” Paul; and twin siblings who died at birth.

Ernie was born July 4, 1934, the son of Ernest and Ada (Wells) Paul in Marion, Iowa. He graduated from Alburnett High School in 1954. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Ernie married Betty Lou McBurney on February 5, 1956 in Toddville. Ernie was a member of the Alice United Methodist Church in Center Point, Otter Creek Lions Club, Toddville American Legion Post 674, and Local #125 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. His family will miss him and remember him as a great father, their mentor, a teacher of life lessons, and a friend to many.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Ernie's memory.

Please sign the online guest book for Ernie at under obituaries.