Paul Tomes

Paul Tomes was born on May 19, 1938, in Rumsey, Kentucky, to Della Irene Cobb Tomes and Clarence Chester Tomes. He passed away peacefully at his home on December 30, 2025. It was his favorite place in the world, the home at the end of a long gravel driveway where so much life, laughter, and love were shared.
Though Paul built a full life elsewhere, Rumsey never left his heart. He often returned to his old homestead, showing loved ones where his childhood home once stood and sharing memories of his mama, the games they played together, and the stories of his youth. Near the end of his life, when asked his favorite memory, he spoke of a simple day his mother let him stay home from school, riding his bike down a hill again and again until he finally learned. In the end, some things never changed. Being home with the ones he loved was always where Paul found the most joy.
Paul was known for his cornflower blue eyes, a joke ready for every moment, and the handkerchief he always carried in his pocket. Beneath his humor was an exceptionally kind and loving heart, one that made people feel welcome, valued, and at ease. On any given morning, if you needed to find Paul, you could simply drive up that gravel driveway. He would be sitting at the kitchen table, wearing a white T-shirt and plaid pants, drinking a hot cup of black coffee while watching the birds through the window, with his wife Jean sitting across from him. Before he retired, those mornings often included a glass of buttermilk and a plate of biscuits with tomatoes and gravy, simple comforts that suited his gentle spirit. If you walked through the door and saw Paul sitting there, you were sure to be greeted with a warm "hey hun," followed by laughter, a joke, or an invitation to sit and stay awhile. Family gathered around him there, laughing, listening, and sharing stories, drawn in by his warmth, generosity, and loving nature. His presence filled a room, but his heart filled a family.
More than anything, Paul cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Some of his favorite days were spent fishing with them, passing down patience, stories, and laughter. He was just as skilled at teaching someone how to fish as he was at telling a fisherman's tale, always with a grin and always exaggerating just enough to make everyone laugh. Whether on the water or back at home, Paul believed the best moments were the ones shared together.
Time on the farm held a special place in Paul's heart. He loved being out there with his kids and grandkids, calling in the cattle and taking everyone along to go see Mo and Curly. He had a particular yell for the cows, one that was impossible to forget, and he never minded looking a little silly if it meant making everyone laugh. Those moments, filled with fresh air, laughter, and Paul's playful spirit, became memories that will be treasured forever.
Paul's love for his wife, Jean, was the quiet foundation of his life. Married for 62 years, he set a standard that we should all strive to live up to, one rooted in love, respect, grace, and kindness. He led with devotion and humility, often settling decisions with a smile and the simple phrase, "Whatever Jean wants." Through his actions, he showed that true love is patient, steady, and selfless.
He showed his love through action, through time spent together and memories made. He once built a roller coaster in the yard just to see his kids smile. He put up a mailbox at the park for his granddaughter, where he would quietly sneak in daily treats or handwritten notes, a simple gesture that meant the world to her. He carried each of his grandchildren around on the tractor and Kubota, built a treehouse for his grandson, and proudly bought his granddaughter her first horse. To Paul, love was not something you said. It was something you built, fixed, drove, or shared.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Dwight Tomes and William "Dickie" Tomes, and his sisters, Alice Anderson, Gladys Miller, Ruby Dunn, and Ethel Bennett.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Emma Jean Render Tomes, his sons, Steven Tomes (Tina) and Eric Tomes (Christine), and his daughter, Kimberly Cole (Jimmie). He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Casey Tomes (Mackenzie), Channing White (Matt), Corbin Tomes, Heidi Tomes, and Veyda Jean Tomes, and his great grandchildren, Scarlett Tomes, Meredith Tomes, and Arlo Paul Tomes. He is also survived by his brother, Hugh D. Tomes (Judy), along with several nieces and nephews. Paul and his family were deeply grateful for his incredible nurses, whose compassion, care, and kindness had a profound impact on his final years. Paul, his wife, and his family will always be thankful for the comfort and love they provided. Paul was a faithful member of Walnut Memorial Baptist Church in Owensboro, where his faith in God guided his life and shaped the way he loved, served, and cared for others.
Paul's legacy lives on in the laughter of his family, the stories his grandchildren will tell, and the countless memories created at the end of that gravel driveway. Just as he once rode his bike down a hill in Rumsey, learning and growing with quiet pride, Paul spent his life finding joy in simple moments and in being home with those he loved most. For every time you see a pair of blue eyes, pour a cup of coffee, or find yourself quietly watching the birds, remember Paul. We hold so many incredible memories of him, and just as importantly, he was the reason for so many of our core memories. He reminded us that the best things in life are not complicated, and he lived that truth better than anyone.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Muster Funeral Homes, Calhoun Chapel. Burial will be in the Calhoun Cemetery in McLean County with military honors presented by V.F.W. Post #5415. Friends may visit with Paul's family from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P. M. Friday and from 9:00 A.M. to services Saturday at Musters in Calhoun.

The Paul Tomes family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Calhoun Cemetery, Iron Fence Restoration Fund; C/O John Howard; 400 Guy Settle Loop; Calhoun, Kentucky 42327.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky for the care shown to them.

Paul's services will be streamed live on musterfuneralhomes.com at 2:00 P.M. Saturday.

Share your memories and photos of Paul at musterfuneralhomes.com.