Paul Phillip Dolph

Paul Phillip Dolph, 83-year-old Vinita resident, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025, at his home, with his loving family by his side. He was born on January 17, 1942, in Lake City, Iowa to William Harold Dolph and Elvie Leona (Rose) Dolph Reetz. Paul was a 1960 graduate of Caldwell, Iowa High School. On March 18, 1968, he married Joyce (Smith) in Miami. Paul served his country during the Vietnam Era in the United States Air Force, from 1961-1965, he was honorably with the rank of Airman First Class. Paul was a pilot and loved flying his planes, he also managed Miami Airport for 20 years. Paul really enjoyed flying around in his small plane a J-3 Cub. He flew several celebrities including, Mel Tellis, Roy Clark and the Statler Brothers to their destinations. Paul also was an antique tractor collector over the years.
Preceding him in death were his parents, William Harold Dolph, Elvie Leona Reetz, step-father, Kenneth Reetz and a brother, Jerald Dolph.
The family includes his wife Joyce of the home; daughters, Lisa Harper (Robert) of Big Cabin and Paula Estrada (Edward) of Afton; sisters, Janet Hancock of Colorado, Roslyn Beyer of Missouri; grandchildren, Alex Estrada, Nick Estrada, Jesse McCoin, Taylor Johnson, Malachi Johnson, Justin Harper and Brandi Harper.
The family will hold a private family service at their home. Online condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita. "Vinita's only locally family owned and operated funeral home."