Paul Russell Gress

PAUL R. GRESS


Paul R. Gress, 92, passed away quietly on Wednesday, November 9th, 2016 at Wilshire of Lakewood, Lees Summit, MO. Paul was born August 22, 1924 in Desoto, KS and was the 3rd child of Fannie G. Hancock (Gress) and Paul W. Gress. Paul grew up with his two older sisters, Lucille, Bernadine and younger brother, Glenn, working on the family farm in Holden, MO. He began working in the shoe factory in Higginsville, MO in 1941. In September 1942, he joined the United States Navy and served in WWII in the South Pacific on the USS Candeleur AV 10. Paul returned home early 1946 and on April 4 was married to Mildred B. Fase (Gress). They began farming in Higginsville, MO. Following the birth of their two children Lucinda and Roland, the family relocated to Sibley, MO in 1956. At that time, Paul began his career at Armco Steel of Kansas City. Paul enjoyed the training and further education he received during his tenure at Armco. He retired in 1982. Following his retirement, Paul began pursuing his love of woodworking and over the years honed his talent creating wonderful furniture from a variety of woods for family, friends, a special display case for the Osage Honey Farm and special pieces for the church sanctuary. Paul’s community service included serving as Mayor of Sibley and being an active member of the Masonic Lodge in Buckner, MO. Paul enjoyed spending time with and helping his neighbors, many friends, and church friends. He was always ready with a funny story to bring a smile. Paul became interested in sermons he heard on the radio by Evan A. Fry, a broadcast minister for the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He sought out further learning of the gospel and he and Mildred were baptized in December 1947. For the remainder of his life he took an active role in ministry. He was ordained and held the offices of Teacher, Elder, and in the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ he was ordained to office of High Priest and was part of the Standing High Council. He served as Pastor of the Lexington, MO congregation and the Buckner congregation. He has remained a humble and faithful servant to the Lord, the church and its members. After the loss of his wife Mildred of 53 years, Paul met and married Erlyne Robinson of Sault St. Marie, Ontario in January 2001. She resides in the home. Paul is survived by his wife, Erlyne Gress; son Roland D. Gress and wife Nancy of Grain Valley, MO; daughter Lucinda “Cindi” Jones of Independence, MO; step children Nancy D’Agostine and husband Paul of Camden, Alberta, David Robinson and wife Kelly of Toronto, Ontario; two grandchildren Michael D. Gress and wife Leslie, and Kristen D. Gress; two great-granddaughters Hadley and Kyleigh Gress. Services will be held Sunday, November 13, 2016 at the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 2820 S. 291 Highway Frontage Road, Independence, MO. Visitation from 1-3pm; memorial service at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you make contributions to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)