Paul Harney

PAUL WILLIAM HARNEY

Cedar Rapids

Paul William Harney, a loving husband, father, grandpa, brother and friend, passed away on July 17, 2016, in Forney, Texas, at the age of 85.

Paul was born on June 17, 1931, to Ambrose and Rosa Harney. Growing up, Paul enjoyed hunting, being outside and spending time with his family, including his eight brothers and five sisters. Later on in life, he found his soon-to-be wife, Betty. They ran away together and were married on Dec. 15, 1951, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Together they had six children, 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Paul was a known craftsman. He loved to do woodwork. He built houses, including the houses of his two sons, Pat and Mike, along with his own. He also renovated many more. Paul liked to garden, planting vegetables and flowers. He would sometimes go fishing but would get discouraged because nothing would bite. Paul also enjoyed sitting outside and watching the birds. When he was not outside, Paul liked to listen to his wife play the piano. Later in life, Paul became a sports fan. He would watch basketball and football. His favorite teams were the Hawkeyes and the Dallas Cowboys. "Grumpa," as his grandkids would call him, loved spending time with his family and helping people. He was a giving man who always wanted to help someone in need.

Paul was a member of the United Auto Workers. He would get together with that group and have Bible study. He also was a member of St. Martin Catholic Church in Talty, Texas.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Timmy; his daughter, Deborah; granddaughter, Tara; brothers, Francis, Vincent, Joe and Tom; and sister, Vivian. Those left to cherish Paul's memory are his wife, Betty; sons, Kevin, Brian, Michael and wife Kelly, and Patrick and wife Veronica; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He also is survived by his brothers, Ed, Pat, Jim and David; and his sisters, Mary Ellen, Virginia, Therese and Rosie.

A visitation will be held for Paul at Anderson-Clayton Bros. Funeral Home in Terrell, Texas, on July 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. A rosary will be held on July 22 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Martin Catholic Church in Talty, Texas, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 a.m. A burial at Grove Hill Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas, will be held afterward.

Flowers can be sent to Anderson-Clayton Bros. Funeral Home in Terrell, Texas. For those who wish, a donation may be made to the charity of your choice in Paul's name. Condolences may be left at www.AndersonClaytonTerrell.com.