Paul Scoby

Paul Scoby of Liberal, died peacefully in his home on Saturday May 24, 2025; surrounded by his wife and loved ones, exactly the way he would have wanted. He was diagnosed with lung cancer, but his heart gave out before the cancer could take its toll. He was known to all as "Scoby"

Scoby was born in 1952 and was the 5th out of 7 children. His early years were spent in northwest Kansas and at the age of 8, his family moved to Maryland. He was an adventurous boy. One day he and a friend collected some snakes to sell, but had to go to school, so they stored the snakes in a box in the house. Needless to say, when his friend's mom found the box of snakes, Scoby's snake enterprise came to an end however, it did not end his lifelong appreciation of snakes.

At the age of 17, Scoby moved back to northwest Kansas. It was there he met and married Joanne Haun in 1970 and had 2 daughters, Cheryl and Laura.

Scoby and the family moved to Liberal in the late 70's where he eventually found work at National Beef Packing Company. Suddenly, finding himself without work, he went to National Beef every day and waited in the guard shack. This continued for 2 weeks until he was hired in the maintenance department, eventually promoted to management, until his retirement. He worked full-time for NBP for 38 years and continued part time for another 4 years. He was a company man, through and through. He worked hard and played hard; he was loved and loathed; generous but intolerant of waste; playful, hard nosed and demanding as much of his men as he was of himself and viewed his crew as his second family.

Scoby was a most remarkable man who put providing for his family above anything else. 

Friends and family remember Scoby as playful, caring, strong, awkward, loved a good practical joke, and having a true servant's heart. His last 6 weeks were spent finding peace with Jesus, connecting with his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years Jo, Daughters, Cheryl (Tony) Espinosa and Laura (Rodger) Wilson; Grandchildren, Zane Espinosa, Jude (Gideon) Reyes, Chloe Espinosa, Truett Espinosa, Hannah Wilson, Paul (Olivia) Wilson; Great Grandchildren Ezra and Micah Reyes, and Paul's siblings David Scoby and Marsha Lutz. 

There will be no public viewing, as cremation has taken place. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025 at 10:00 am at Faith Tabernacle, Liberal, KS with Pastor Rex Petty, officiating. 

Memorials are suggested to the Liberal Humane Society, 1985 N Country Estates Road, Liberal, KS 67901.