Paul D. Southard, Sr.

Paul Dean Southard, Sr., of Smithton, passed away at his home on Friday, January 21, 2022 at the age of 87.

Paul was born on October 16, 1934, in Sedalia, to Richard Lee Southard and Rachael Mae (Plumb) Southard. He was named after the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball pitcher, Paul Dean.

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oldest of 13 children, he spent his childhood hunting and fishing with his brothers. He was a 1953 graduate of Hughesville High School. After high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as a sharpshooter and was a pitcher for the USAF Baseball Team. During his time in the USAF he attended law school. While serving he met the Love of his Life, Juanita Barnes, on a blind date and after three dates, they eloped. They were married on October 11, 1957 in West Virginia.

After Paul’s service to his country, he played Minor League Baseball for the White Sox as a pitcher. Paul then moved his bride to Sedalia, and in 1958 purchased their forever home in Smithton. To this union two children, Vanita Dean Southard and Paul Dean Southard, Jr., were born.

Paul loved baseball and was an avid Cardinals fan. He continued to play for many church leagues with his brothers, but his passion was coon hunting and he raised award winning Blue Tick and Red Bone Coon dogs. He hunted with his brothers and son until he was 60 years old. Paul had many talents and was well known for the furniture and cabinets he made for his home. He was also a painter of vehicles in the 70s and 80s at the shop he owned in Smithton.

Paul served as the Smithton City Judge for several years and served as a Smithton City Councilman 1961-1985, writing many of the City Ordinances. He served on the Pettis County School Board in 1977 and was a baseball coach for the Elks Youth Baseball and started the first traveling youth baseball team in Smithton. He retired from Central States Tool upon their closing and from Central Tractor. Upon retirement, he worked for and with his son at Southard Landscaping and Lawn Care.

He is survived by his two children, Vanita Dean Southard and Paul Southard, Jr. (Jennifer), all of Smithton; four grandchildren, Tami Sprinkle (Wesley), Dustin Southard (Jessica), Jonathan Southard (Kaytee) and Morgan Aubrey (Brandon); and nine great-grandchildren, Madisyn Sprinkle, Cierra Sprinkle, Brooklyn Southard, Bailey Southard, Kimberlynn Southard, Natalie Howard, Gavin Howard, Bryson Aubrey and Kasen Aubrey; sisters Rosalea Provencher, Warwick, RI, Nancy Allen, Spokane, WA, Betty Pelletier, Beverly Hills, FL; brothers Robert Southard, Slater, Dennis Southard, Napton, and John Southard, Gillam;  and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Rachael Southard; his wife, Juanita Southard; sisters, Alice Irene Southard, Mary Francis Southard, Georgia Mae Southard and Caroline Martineau; and brothers Lester Southard and Joe Richard Southard.

Visitation will be 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Thursday, January 27, 2022 at Heckart Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Friday, January 28, 2022 at the funeral home with Pastor Jason Veale officiating. Pallbearers will be Dustin Southard, Brandon Aubrey, Paul Southard, Jr., Jonathan Southard, John Southard and Dennis Southard.

Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Retrieving Freedom in care of Heckart Funeral Home.