Paul S. Carothers

The family of Paul Samuel “Sonny” Carothers sadly announces his passing on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at home surrounded by family. Per Paul’s request there will be no funeral. A celebration of life will be held later this summer. Private family internment of his ashes is planned. Paul was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on April 19, 1936, the only child of Paul Stanley and Lucy Helms Carothers. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood with one exception. He was hit by a car at age 12 resulting in a six-week stay in traction in a Chicago hospital while his broken leg healed. The family moved frequently due to his father’s job, ultimately to Webster Groves, Missouri where Paul thrived. He was a gifted athlete and proud graduate of the Webster Groves High School Class of 1954. Many lifelong friendships continued with his classmates. Paul attended the University of Missouri (graduated from Washington University). A loyal member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, he attended alumni luncheons in Kansas City until his health declined. He joined the United States Air Force and served six years in the reserves. Paul married Lee Williams with whom he had four children. Following their divorce, in 1981 Paul married Holly Zaun and the couple blended their family of now seven children. It was a joyful group from which much fun and pride was gained. Their home at the Lake of the Ozarks was a perfect spot for weekend family bonding. Paul worked for the E. I. DuPont de Nemours Company as a marketing manager in the automotive finishes divisions for 34 years, retiring in 1993. After his retirement, he and Holly moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and spent 15 wonderful years playing golf, relishing in all things PGA TOUR, and entertaining friends and family who traveled to enjoy golf and the beach life. Upon Holly’s retirement in 2009, the couple returned to Lee’s Summit, Missouri to enjoy the many family occasions they had missed. Paul is survived by his wife, Holly: children, Grant (Sue) Carothers, Janie (Rob) Schmidt, Scott Carothers, Mina (Jim) McMullin; step-children, Shelley (Darren) Garrison, Todd (Kathy) Zaun and Derek (Nadine) Zaun; twenty grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and former wife, Lee Quackenbush. The family wishes to thank Village Hospice of Lee’s Summit. There are no words to adequately express our gratitude for the loving care and attention to Paul as well as those of us caring for him. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Village Hospice 600 NW Pryor Rd, Lee's Summit, MO, 64081 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T.org). Funeral arrangements in the care of Longview Funeral Home, 12700 SE Raytown Rd, Kansas City, MO, 64149.