Paul Robert Espy

1932 - 2025

Paul Robert Espy

October 27, 1932 - November 4, 2025

Paul Robert Espy, 93, passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in Clinton, Ill.

Paul was born to the late James Harrison and Beulah Ethel Espy in Flat Rock, Ill. on October 27, 1932. Paul was one of nine children. He was a graduate of the Palestine High School.

After graduation he joined the United States Army. He was a heavy machine gunner in the Korean war from June 6, 1953, until May 30, 1954. He spent 16 days on the front line in a bunker with a machine gun, before the war ended.

On December 13, 1959, Paul married Patricia Mae Wilson, and together they made their home in Cerro Gordo, where they raised two children, Carla and Bryan. Paul worked for Caterpillar and retired after 42 years of dedicated service.

He volunteered countless hours to his community, serving on the Cerro Gordo Fire Department, the American Legion, the Masonic Lodge, the VFW, and the church choir. He also participated in the Bloomington passion play, served on the Honor Guard, and proudly raised the flag at Cerro Gordo home football games for many years.

Paul was deeply rooted in his Christian faith and was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Cerro Gordo, where he served as a certified lay minister. In 2019, Paul and Pat moved to Maroa, where he became lovingly known as the "Maroa Town Greeter."

He is survived by his devoted wife, Pat; his children, Carla (Leroy) Bridgewater of Lexington, Tenn., and Bryan (Shelly) Espy of Maroa, Ill.; and a very special niece, Sandra Carberry. He was a proud grandfather to Misty (Scott), Mathew (Alexandra), Brittany (Eric), Bethany (Josh), Benjamin, and Hayley (Trevor). Paul also leaves behind many great-grandchildren who adored him, Addyson, Dakota, Jaxson, Whitleigh, Israel, Brady, Hezekiah, Mason, Laney, Alistair, and Hadassah.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers and sisters Sherill, Julia, Mildred, Maxine, Royal, Raymond, Kenneth, and John.

Paul never met a stranger and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation for Paul will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church, 104 E Carter Street, Cerro Gordo IL, 61818. Funeral will begin at 1:00 p.m., with burial to follow in Cerro Gordo Cemetery.