Paul Maze

HERRIN - Paul Eugene Maze, 86, passed away at 5:45 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010, in VA Community Living Center in Marion, surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Maze was employed as a machinist by Diagraph Bradley from 1957 to 1988. He enjoyed his work and was well liked by his co-workers. Paul also worked as a school crossing guard for several years within Herrin School District. Paul genuinely cared for each and every child he met.

Paul was a longtime member of West Monroe Apostolic Church in Herrin. He loved to fish, barbecue and spend time with his family.

Paul was a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II. He received the Purple Heart for wounds received in action in Belgium on Feb. 19, 1944, and in Germany on Feb. 26, 1945. He was also a member of DAV and VFW.

He was born June 15, 1923, in Carterville, to Audie and Esther (Thomas) Maze.

Paul was united in marriage with Betty Louise Pulliam on Oct. 20, 1945, in Herrin.

Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Betty L. Maze of Herrin; his two children and their spouses, Victor and Brenda Maze of Herrin and Darla and Terry Engram of Herrin; two grandsons and their spouses, Victor Kevin and Lori Maze of Normal and Travis and Heather Engram of Herrin; four great-grandchildren, Katelin, Taylor and Breeanna Maze and Briley Engram; one sister, Frances Younkin of Herrin; one brother, Carl Maze of Greenville, S.C.; several loving nieces and nephews; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010, in Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home in Herrin, with the Rev. Loyd Younkin and the Rev. Richard Pearce officiating. Interment will be in Friendship Cemetery in Goreville, with military graveside rites conducted by Herrin American Legion and VFW Posts and Illinois Army National Guard Honor Detail. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

A sincere "thank you" goes out to all the staff at Community Living Center for their care, kindness and support. Their genuine tenderness toward him will long be remembered.

The family will be eternally grateful for being blessed with this man as the head of their family. He was a brave man and a true Christian gentleman, who will forever be dearly loved and adored.

"We'll be apart for a moment, Grandpa, but look for us. We will be there too."