Paul E. Temple

1915 - 2008

LEWELLEN - Paul E. Temple, 92, of Lewellen died Saturday, May 17, 2008.

Paul E. Temple was born Aug. 25, 1915, to Obed Darius and Lula Dell Bird Temple on the homestead 40 miles north of Lewellen in Arthur County.

When Paul was five years old, he attended kindergarten in Oshkosh. After kindergarten, Paul and his Aunt Edith moved to Casper, Wyo., where his mother and sister, Kathryn, were living.

Paul's mother and Aunt Edith staked homesteads north of Casper. For many years, summers were spent on that homestead. During the winter Paul, his mother and sister moved back to Casper where he and Kathryn attended school.

As a youth, one of Paul's first jobs was selling newspapers on street corners for the Casper Tribune. During high school, Paul worked for Coliseum Motors Chrysler/Plymouth.

Paul graduated from Natrona County High School in 1934. After graduation, Paul returned to Lewellen to work for his Uncle Paul D. Temple's Chevrolet dealership.

On July 23, 1936, Paul married Virginia J. Brooks. Paul and Virginia moved back to Casper and lived there for a number of years. During that time, Paul drove a bus for the city of Casper.

In 1944 at the age of 28, Paul was drafted and served two years in the Army during World War II.

In 1947, Paul and family moved from Casper to Lewellen. Paul had a mechanic bay in the rear of the Oregon Trail Service Station, which was owned by Harry Tilgner and Alfred Brooks. A couple of years later, Paul bought a building behind the Gamble's store where he operated a mechanic shop. During this period, he purchased a used school bus to transport Goodall employees to and from Ogallala.

For a short time, Paul was an outside salesman for Humphrey Auto Parts. Later Paul worked as a parts man for Brune Chevrolet in Oshkosh.

Paul owned and operated Temple Chevron Service in Lewellen for many years. During those years, Paul taught many kids how to repair bicycle tires. Paul always had a stick of gum or a sucker for the youngsters.

Paul was also a driver for Wade Bus Lines of Ogallala. Paul drove a generation of Garden County youth to ball games and track meets. He also took many groups on tours through the Wade Bus Lines.

Paul served as District 3 Garden County commissioner, was appointed to various boards, was a charter member of the Lewellen Lions Club, a member of the Lewellen Methodist Church for 50-plus years, a member of the Oshkosh Masonic Lodge and a member of the Big Mac Shrine Club.

Paul was an emergency medical technician and drove the Lewellen ambulance after he retired.

Paul was an artist, wood carver and sign painter, just to name a few of his hobbies. Paul always carried a harmonica and loved to share his music with family and friends.

Paul is survived by his son, Terry (Lillian) Temple of Valentine; daughter Mary (Mark) Kinney of North Platte; grandsons, Rusty (Dee) Temple of Colome, S.D., Mike (Selda Kohl) Temple of North Platte, Ron (Becky) Temple of Norfolk, Doug (Sara) Kinney of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Daniel (Amanda) Kinney of Stafford, Va., and Joel Kinney of Lincoln; great-grandchildren, Paul E. Temple, Kyle Temple, Allison Temple; foster daughter, Deloris (Tom) Ward and family of Brady; foster daughter, Doris Hill and family of Ann Arbor, Mich.; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Virginia, in June 1998; his sister, Kathryn; and an infant son, Michael.

Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. MDT Saturday, May 24, 2008, at the United Methodist Church in Lewellen with Bob Temple officiating. Masonic rites will be conducted at the church by the AF&AM Oshkosh Lodge No. 286. Inurnment will be in the Ash Hollow Cemetery with military honors by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Post 5379 and the Nebraska National Guard.

Memorials may be made to the Paul E. Temple Memorial Scholarship to a Garden County High School graduate, Good News Club of Lewellen, Lewellen Lions Club, Lewellen and Oshkosh Senior Centers, Lewellen United Methodist Church or the donor's choice.

Family and friends may sign the guest book and leave condolences online at www.holechekfuneralhomes.com.

Holechek Funeral Home in Oshkosh is in charge of the arrangements.