Richard John PAULUS

1934 - 2014

News Death Notice

PAULUS, Richard John MD On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2014, Richard Paulus, MD peacefully returned to the Divine Lover of his soul, at his home with family by his side, due to a brief bout with cancer. He was 80 years old. Born to Cletus and Margaret (Lallemand) Paulus on July 14, 1934 in Versailles, he was the oldest of five siblings: Angela (Ken) Pohl, Edward Paulus, Joan Paulus, and Anne Barhorst. He was a graduate of Versailles High School and the University of Dayton. Upon completion of his studies at UD, he went on to medical school at Marquette (The Medical College of Wisconsin). As an MD, he practiced two years in Dayton. He proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict, stationed at Ft. Dix, New Jersey, and spending a year in Vietnam as a battalion surgeon. He made house calls in helicopters, learning to love and care for those he served with in the military, as well as the villagers. For 38 years, he cared for his patients as a Family Practice Physician, mostly spent in Sidney, Ohio. He was an extraordinary diagnostician, teacher and mentor. He demonstrated his love for his patients in many ways still making house calls, sometimes dressing up at Halloween to visit the shut-ins just to brighten their day. Considered the Founding Father of Wilson Care, Inc, which provided the recruiting and employment of many physicians for Wilson Memorial Hospital, he initially retired in 2007. In that retirement did not suit him, he became Hospice Medical Director for Senior Independence Hospice, ministering and caring for those in end stage illness, helping them to live life fully until they died. He worked up until six weeks before his death. Hospice work was truly rewarding and fulfilling for him. Dr. Paulus has left this world a better place for having been here. He would hope that those who love and remember him would do the same. A faithful colleague and friend, he will be missed most by his beloved wife of 33 years, Ruth; his wonderful children whom he adored: Renee` (Ron) Mong, Rick (Annette) Paulus, Linda (Rick) Howell, Theresa (Doug) Slater, Dan (Mary) Paulus, Tim (Julie) Paulus, Mitch (Mindy) Paulus, Beth (Alan) Bayard, Katie Denton, and Matt (Mary) Paulus. He is also survived by a step-daughter whom he loved, Jennifer (Alan) Ball,. To add joy and wonder to his life, he is survived by 39 grandchildren and 9 great-grand children. As a member of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, Fairborn, the community there has lost a wonderful friend. In keeping with his wishes, his body was donated to Wright State Medical School, as he believed that as taught in life, he should also teach in death. There will be two memorial services. On December 13, 2014, a memorial service will be held at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, Fairborn, Ohio at 11am. A second service will be held December 27, 2014 at St. James Episcopal Church, Piqua, Ohio at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Senior Independence Hospice or St. Christopher's Episcopal Church.