Paul Homer Crader, 94, of Fenton died May 25, 2026. Mr. Crader grew up in the Jackson area and earned a bachelor's degree from Southeast Missouri State University. Afterwards, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany for two years. Upon returning to the U.S., he became a world history teacher at Northwest High School in House Springs. Later, he continued his career as a world history teacher at Lindbergh High School and earned a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. During this time, he was also a Sunday School teacher at Morse Mill Church of God, Faith of Abraham. He also served as a member of the school board of the Northwest R-1 School District for about 10 years, the last few as its president. He retired from teaching after approximately 30 years and went to work selling new cars at Sunset Ford in Sunset Hills for another 30 years. He was known for his smile, sharply pressed clothing, charm and formal manners. He loved life and valued other people, especially his family, and enjoyed engaging in conversation with all. He loved to talk about world affairs, politics, history, family and cars, as well as the events of the day. He loved bluegrass music and played the piano, collected classic cars (a 1964 Buick Riviera, a 1941 Buick that he had owned since age 16 and a 1948 Packard) and adored his pet dogs, Muffin, Daisy and Mollie. He loved traveling west, to Branson, to see family and also back to Bollinger County to participate in family reunions. He enjoyed meeting up with former students and visiting restaurants with friends and family, especially Cracker Barrel. Born Dec. 22, 1931, in Bollinger County, he was the son of the late Homer and Maudie May Crader.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Piccola Crader; and his longtime partner: Carol Chlanda.
He is survived by a brother: Bruce (Carolyn) Crader; a son: Mark (Amy) Crader; two daughters: Susan (Mike) Biri and Marilyn (Bob) Clifford; two nieces: Nanette Stovall and Helen Heise; two nephews: Craig Crader and Steven Crader; a daughter-in-law: Joan Crader; former daughter-in-law: Sherry Gentry; former son-in law: Bob Falcone; his grandchildren and their families: Sharon, Debbie, Grant, Jake, Leah, Ryan, Jennifer, Jeff, Blake, Nathan, Aryn and Ashlynn; and many bonus and extended family members and friends.
He also was preceded in death by two brothers: Milton and Murrell Crader; two sons: Glenn Crader and Forrest (Sharon) Crader; and a grandchild: Angie Brown.
A memorial visitation is scheduled from noon until a memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6300 Hwy. 30, in Cedar Hill. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill Mortuary.