Paul Haskel "Papa" Bullard

Paul Haskel Bullard “Papa”, age 97, of Gulfport, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at his home surrounded by 4 of his greatest blessings, his granddaughter and 3 great-granddaughters.

Paul was born on August 28, 1927 in Monroe, OK to George and Gordya Bullard. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and received an honorable discharge in 1949.

Paul met his wife, Isabel, when they were just 16 and 17 years of age. They just celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary on January 16, 2025. Paul and Isabel owned a floral shop in Mexico, MO and Paul also worked for Metropolitan Life for 34 years. They loved to travel the country and started their camping trips with pop up trailers, and eventually moved up to motor homes. Paul belonged to many camping groups and would take his granddaughters on trips. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Elks Lodge, and St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport. Paul loved doing volunteer work. He was a Eucharistic minister at St. James. He was the absolute best dad, husband, and papa in the whole entire world! He was the best everything!

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ira Bullard; and sisters, Syble Franklin and Kay Tookey. 

Survivors include his wife, Isabel O’Connor Bullard; children, Steve Bullard (Gayle), Drew Bullard (Susan), and Jan Bullard-Khalifeh; grandchildren, Kelley Lane (Dana), Ashley Ancona (Frank), and Sheena Khalifeh; great-grandchildren, Isabella Kamins, Juliette Kamins, Frankie Ancona, Nico Ancona, Carli Khalifeh, Sofia Khalifeh, and Analyse Khalifeh; and many nieces and nephew.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025 at St. James Catholic Church, where friends may visit beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Bullard family.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to St. Joseph Hospice for being so great and caring to their papa, everyone from there was so amazing. His nurse, Stephanie, was so supportive to the family in such a difficult time. All of his caregivers were wonderful and the family appreciates them so much!