Paul Edward Mullins

Paul Edward "Moon" Mullins was born in Mt. Vernon, Missouri in 1932. He passed away after 93 years of loving life on June 22nd, 2025 in Springfield, Missouri surrounded by family.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Susie Mullins; sisters Bernice Waggoner and Jeanie Kreeger; brother Ralph Mullins; and son-in-law Alan Newton.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Lucy Mullins; sister Doris Gardner; son P.D. Mullins and wife Carol; daughter Susie Newton; and daughter Sara Jehle and husband John. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren; Callie Newton-Woods and late husband Zac; Jennifer Mullins Govero and husband Jacob; Amanda Newton Plotner and husband Curt; Megan Mullins Roark and husband John; Robert Jehle; and Adam Jehle and fiance Abbie Jones. He is also survived by 6 great-grandchildren; Macy and Cayden Plotner; Lucy, Penny, and J.P. Roark; and Robbie Jehle. He also leaves behind many other family members including several nieces and nephews.
Paul attended and graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1949 where he was active in many athletics and met the girl he fell in love with. Moon found his Lady Egypt early in life. Legend has it a 16 year old Lucy was hit in the head by a walnut thrown by Paul and they were inseparable ever since. Paul and Lucy were married in 1952 in Mt. Vernon, Missouri and lived the majority of their life in the Southwest Missouri area.
Paul attended Southwest Missouri State in 1949 where he was a center and linebacker on the football team. Paul won All-Conference Honors in football as well as lettered in track in the shot and discus. His college career was interrupted in 1952 when he served in the Navy for 18 months at the end of the Korean War. Upon finishing his service, Paul completed his college degree at Missouri Valley College where he was an All-American in football and received a try-out with the New York Giants. Upon his release from the Giants, he returned home and completed a Master's degree in Counseling.
Paul began his coaching career in 1956 at Carrollton High School before moving to Central High School for 6 years. He then spent one year in Elgin Illinois before accepting the head football coaching position at Greenwood Laboratory School. He coached football, basketball, golf, and tennis during his 25 year legacy of coaching at Greenwood. Paul had many successes during his 35 years of coaching including: a 1A State Football Championship, several Hall of Fame Inductions including the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, and the Distinguished Service Award from Missouri State High School Activities Association for his many accomplishments in coaching. Although Paul acquired many awards over the years, he would say his most important successes were the relationships he built with students, athletes, and people that he worked with and impacted throughout his career.
Paul enjoyed many activities including: fishing, hunting, grilling, gardening, and would spend many hours mowing, watering and working in his yard. He loved to watch sporting events of all types and thoroughly enjoyed seeing his grandkids and great grandkids in their adventures. Bull Shoals Lake was one of his favorite places to be. He loved to say his favorite place was on the houseboat dock, "watching the world go by." Paul never met a stranger and loved to talk and learn about others. He had an inclusive and magnetic personality that drew people in from all walks of life. Paul's impact on those around him was both deep and wide. He was an extraordinary coach and educator and will be remembered by thousands as a mentor and friend.
Visitation from 1:00 - 2:00 PM, with service following at 2:00 PM, on July 11, 2025 at Ridgecrest Baptist Church. Interment will take place at a later date at Kerr Cemetery, in Billings, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Paul "Moon" Mullins Memorial Scholarship in care of Greenwood Laboratory Schools, 901 S. National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65897.