David Christian Paul

1954 - 2021

David Christian Paul

David Christian Paul, born 14 March, 1954 went to be with his Lord and Savior on 15 October, 2021 in Helena, MT. David, well known for his sense of humor and love of music, withstood a number of strokes before passing from this life to his eternal one. He loved God with all his heart and wanted nothing more for his life than to be a servant of the Lord.

"Dave" the youngest of 4 children born to Ruby and William Paul of Chicago, IL, came from a long line of missionaries, and spoke often of the many, many missionaries and pastors with whom he crossed paths. He collected exotic items, using them as prayer reminders for the people and missionaries who lived in the respective countries. He ultimately became an Eagle Scout, using a clothes drive as his community project and sending them to his older brother, a missionary in Mexico.

He graduated from St. Paul Bible College with a Theology degree and was a part of several touring musical groups. He loved music, reading, and was known for his small practical jokes.

David was always ready with a joke, and greatly enjoyed the small smile one gets from either a good pun or a terrible punchline. He also dearly loved children, often reading stories with all the appropriate "voices"

and inflections. He would fix up toys and give them to those who often had nothing to play with at all.

Known for his musical ability, his attempts to inspire others with music were well established. There were very few instruments Dave didn't at least attempt to play once. He also composed several pieces of music, performing with his family as well as his yearly "Tuba Christmas" carol, in addition to the Missoula City Band. With a distinctive stance while playing his trombone and a love for classical and religious music, his knowledge of various pieces would astound those who knew him.

He met his wife Risa, while at Alliance School of Theology of School and Missions in 1975. After his ordination with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, he spent time at churches in Indiana and Montana, before serving the CMA church in Guatemala for 10 years. On his return to Montana, he continued to serve as a pastor. He then took up various other professions, including grocer and windowmaker.

He was predeceased by his parents, one sister, and his daughter Joanna Ruth. He was dearly loved and is survived by his eldest brother, William Paul of Colorado Springs, his niece, Betty Preditus, and his elder sister, Mary (Raymond) Ebbett. He also leaves behind his former wife, Risa, and his three children, William (Jenna) Paul, R. Dawn Paul, and Stephen (Melody) Paul, and his grandchildren, Evangelina, Aria, Andrew, Aulora, Tatum, and Karris. A memorial service will be held on 20 November, 2021 at 2:30 pm in the Foster Funeral Home 216 Project Drive, St Ignatius, MT. Burial of the cremains will follow in PleasantView Cemetery.