Paul H. Croy

Paul H. Croy

Cedar Rapids

I was born Jan. 29, 1932, in Iowa City to the parents of William and Bessie Croy. I spent most of my growing-up years in Solon, IA. I graduated from Solon High School in May 1951. After graduation I went to work for Firestone Rubber Co. in Iowa City. In September 1951, I was drafted in the Army. The Army transferred me to the Air Force. The Airforce sent me to Korea in February 1952. My time in Korea was spent with the 4th Fighter Wing at Kimpo Air Base. The Air Force made me a Staff Sergeant and assigned me to be an aerial photographer. While in Korea I was awarded 2 Battle Stars. In June 1954 I returned from Korea and went to work at Collins Radio. I met my wife Shirley Duncan and we were married February 1955. We were married at the Methodist Church in Center Point, IA. Shirley and I had three children: Richard, Nancy and Mark. In the fall of 1960 I left Collins Radio and bought the Friendly Tavern on 16th Ave. SW. In the spring of 1964, I sold the tavern and started a general painting business. In 1975 I phased out the painting business. In the wintertime I delivered heavy equipment for Matson Trucking Co. In 1975 my son Richard and I started an outdoor advertising business (billboards). During this time Shirley and I bought a motor home. We traveled all of the United States with it. In 1992 I sold the advertising business and semi-retired. In my retirement I bought and sold and restored old Studebaker cars and trucks. In 1993 l helped Scott Tharp start a sign painting and silk screen business in Vinton, IA. In 1997 I helped Jeff Carlson Warehouse Auto in Shueyville, IA. In 1997 I helped John Meyer start an auto repair business in Shueyville, IA. In 1999 I helped Rich Latner start Lake Area Auto. In 2002 I helped John Hager to start an auto repair business in Shueyville, IA. In 2005 l sold all my properties and started full retirement. On my 77th birthday I received my amateur radio license. In 2018 l received the highest FCC license class and was upgraded to Extra. I also received a license to test future amateurs as well as grading all license hams. My call sign was KD0GIX. Some of the things I liked to do was watch dirt track racing, flying and spending Sunday afternoons at a casino with my wife.

Paul went home on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids, with a visitation one hour prior. Burial: Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Paul is survived by his wife of 70 years, Shirley and children Richard (Candi), Nancy (David) and Mark (Sharon); his grandchildren Jennifer, Jared, Carlee, Trey, Camden and Alexis; great-granddaughter, Sybella; along with numerous nephews and nieces whom he also loved.

Memorials may be directed to American Legion Post 555, 1545 Main Street, Ely, IA 52227.

Please share a memory of Paul at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.