Paul Wayne Foerst

Paul Wayne Foerst, beloved husband and father, passed away on November 26th, 2024, at the age of 80. Paul was born on September 20th, 1944, in St. Louis Missouri. Paul met Jean (Shipley) Foerst in 1965. They were married in 1967 and had a wonderful 57 years together. They lived together in St. Louis for 42 years. In 2009 they decided to move to Leland, North Carolina to be closer to their daughter and son-in-law and have resided in Leland for the last 15 years.
Paul is survived by his wife Jean, daughter Linda (Kevin) Potts, sister-in-law's Patricia Shipley, Mary Beth Shipley, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother Madelyn (Kline) Foerst, his father Elmer Foerst, his brother Donald Foerst, and his sister Joan Okeefe (Dan).
Paul had a wonderful career with Monsanto/Solutia. He started work there in a chemical lab in1968. After working in the lab for 20 years, he was promoted to an industrial product specialist. In this position, he traveled to many parts of the world including Thailand, India and Mexico, visiting many chemical plants and solving their issues and problems. It was a very positive experience in his life as Paul loved people, and as his superior at the time said this about him: "Paul could relate to so many different people of varying cultures and backgrounds, and could, with a high level of intelligence and humor." Paul retired in 1999.
Paul was an exceptional father. He continually offered love and support. Paul coached Linda in various sports. He showed his love of fishing, float trips and the beauty of a walk in the woods after a fresh fallen snowfall, memories that his daughter will always cherish.
Paul was definitely one of a kind. He was a smart, funny, caring, warm and loving person. Paul enjoyed many activities like golf, tennis, pickleball, and playing poker. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2014 but continued to have a very positive outlook on life. Paul's family was everything to him and he will be greatly missed.
A funeral mass to honor Paul's life will be held at St. Mary's Basilica in Wilmington on Friday November 29th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital.
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