Paul Steven LaDuke

Paul Steven LaDuke, 88, entered his heavenly home on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, surrounded by his family in Seymour. He started his earthly life on March 31, 1936, born to parents Louis and Lula (Hall) LaDuke, of Buckingham, Colo., as the 15th of 19 children. After moving around, Paul found a small farm in Missouri. Life took Paul to many places with numerous jobs, but the pull of the Ozarks was strong. He finally came back to the farm in Missouri. Paul loved the land and loved to grow things in the fertile Ozark soil. It did not matter whether it was garden produce or flowers; Paul grew everything with great success. Not only did Paul use his hands to grow things, but he also used his hands to make things. Paul could look at many things and envision how to create them from wood. His and Darlene’s house displayed the many things Paul had made with his own hands. Paul loved to make people laugh. He made sure that anyone he met had a smile when they parted. Paul loved having kids and would spread his love to the children he was related to and those he claimed.  
 Paul is preceded in death by his parents; 16 of his siblings; two grandchildren; and the mother of his children, Eunice LaDuke. Left to miss Paul are his wife of 48 years, Darlene; his children, Susie, Sharon, Steven, Sandra and Stella; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by his sisters, Sylvia and Nora. Many other family and friends will miss Paul in their lives. Funeral services were held on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, at 1 p.m. in the Ava Family Funeral Home, Ava. Visitation preceded the service starting at noon. Burial followed at the Oak Forest Cemetery, Norwood. All services are under the care of the Ava Family Funeral Home.