Lt. Col. Paul Volkmer

Retired Lt. Col. Paul Victor Volkmer, age 97, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Arrowhead Senior Living Community. He was surrounded by his family.
He was born on January 31, 1928, in Jefferson City, the oldest child to the late Paul and Frances Victoria Schwering Volkmer. Paul was a 1946 graduate of St. Peters High School and shortly after joined the United States Marine Corps. He achieved the rank of corporal before receiving honorable discharge on June 5, 1948. He remained a proud and patriotic veteran throughout his life.
Upon his return to Jefferson City, he enrolled in Jefferson Junior College for a year. While attending school, he met Betty Ann Rapp through mutual friends. The two were united in marriage on November 26, 1949, and shared nearly 76 years of marriage. Their union served as a beautiful reflection of their deep love and devotion to one another.
Lt. Col. Volkmer joined the Missouri State Highway Patrol on October 14, 1949, as a member of the 11th Recruit Class. He devoted 38 years of service and protection to the State of Missouri, starting out as a patrolman and ending his distinguished career as Lieutenant Colonel and never had a job he didn't like while working on the Patrol As he remarked, '"some jobs were just better than others."
From prison riots to car chases, Lt. Col. Volkmer led those around him with grace, quiet strength, and courage. His soft, strong voice gave well-thought out replies to every question and his logic and knowledge of the law helped strengthen a law enforcement organization that continues to protect and served the State of Missouri. His son Eric and grandson Paul followed in his footsteps on the Patrol and ensured that his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
Paul's heart of service extended beyond the patrol. He served on the MASTERS (Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society) board from 1999 until his resignation in 2012. Following his resignation, he received unanimous election to emeritus status on the board – the first director in history to receive that honor.
Incredibly patriotic and always willing to stand up for his communities, Paul was involved with local organizations as well. He was a member of the local Marine Corp League, served on the board of the Salvation Army, volunteered with Meals-on-Wheels, and dedicated 25 years of volunteer efforts to Capital Region Medical Center. Paul was also a member of the Optimist Club and served as the Lee's Summit chapter president. Devoted to his Catholic faith, Paul was most recently a member of the St. Martin Catholic Church Parish. He sought wisdom and strength for each day through God's word and sense of community. Serving and loving others was the root of who Paul was.
A true family man, Paul's love and devotion for his own ran deep – everything he did was for the benefit of his family. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with all of his family including the grandkids during long weekends spent at the cabin. Connecting with nature helped him mute the chaos that often came with his job. When grandchildren came, Paul experienced love he never knew existed. He adored his grandkids and great-grandkids and cherished watching them grow.
A devoted husband, Paul adored his beautiful bride. Following his retirement, Paul and Betty traveled across the globe to places including Florida, Alaska, Germany, Europe, and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with the whole family on a Caribbean cruise. Betty's steady presence and constant support allowed him to achieve great success in all aspects of his life.
Lt. Col. Volkmer leaves behind a legacy built not on titles or accolades, but on the quiet strength with which he led, the diligence and hard work he poured into every task, and the unwavering heart of service that defined his life. His steady presence, strong example, and deep care for his family, colleagues and community will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 76 years, Betty; four children, Paula Gibson (Weldon Chip Perry) of Lexington, Mo., Julie Evans (Gary) of Sunrise Beach, Mo., Robert Volkmer of Jefferson City, and Eric Volkmer of Rolla, Mo; 11 grandchildren, Brian, Tim, Jeff, Brett Gibson; Josh, Justin, and Lauren Smith (Evans); Kamry Hager (Volkmer); Paul, John, and Erica Volkmer; 22 great- grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Janda Volkmer of Steilacoom, Washington and Dian Volkmer of Lawrence, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Frances; siblings, Harold Volkmer, Richard "Dick" Volkmer, Robert "Bob" Volkmer, and Susie Heisinger and her husband Dave; and daughter-in-law, Paula Volkmer.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Freeman Mortuary.
A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 20, 2025, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Nicholas Reid officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to MASTERS (Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society), 780 County Road 383, Whitewater, Mo. 63785.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.