Paul Behl

Paul E. Behl

Paul E. Behl, 57, of Springfield, passed away at 12:07 a.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at his residence.

Paul was born March 31, 1956, in Springfield, to Harry and Lucille Meeks. He was raised by his mother's second husband, Kenneth Behl and his wife Norma. He married Marilyn Bennett on June 22, 1974 in Chatham.

Paul was a graduate of Glenwood High School in Chatham. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1975-1978. He was employed by Ameren as a Journeyman Substation Electrician, retiring in 2007. He was also an instructor for the American Line Builders Apprenticeship Training (ALBAT) for 15 years and was a member of IBEW #51 for 35 years. Paul enjoyed farming, fishing, and raising cattle and pigs. He also bred and showed Basenji dogs in his spare time.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Lucille Meeks and Kenneth and Norma Behl; and one niece, Lindsay Gieser.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Behl of Springfield; his two sons, Paul "Poco" (wife, Lacey) Behl, Jr. of Fruita, CO and Jeffrey P. (wife, Emily) Behl of Loami; seven grandchildren, Kenny, Molly, Jonathan, Peyton, Maximus, Tucker and Bennett Behl; ten siblings, Linda (husband, Bill) Heisler of Lake Geneva, WI, Barbara (husband, Rick) Schneider of Springfield, Donna (husband, Wayne) Evans of Mammoth Springs, AR, Harry (wife, Joan) Behl of Blacksburg, VA, Kevin (wife, Pattie) Behl of Springfield, MO, Mark Behl of South Carolina, Mike (wife, Patsy) Behl of Auburn, Mikie (husband, Alan) Fischer of Darien, IL, Bill (wife, Lois) Moore of Loami, and Terry (wife, Allison) Moore of Springfield; sisters-in-law, Pat (husband, Mark) Freeman of Chatham and Rene Bennett of Springfield; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cremation will be accorded by Lincoln Land Cremation Society prior to ceremonies.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Casey's Pub #364 at 2200 Meadowbrook Rd., Springfield, from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2501 Chatham Rd., Suite 210, Springfield, IL 62704 or Muscular Dystrophy Association, Land of Lincoln Chapter, 1224 Centre West Dr., Suite 200 C, Springfield, IL 62704.