Paul Louis Cords, 83, of Barnhart died June 5, 2026, at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis County. Mr. Cords was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Barnhart. He worked for the city of St. Louis as a tree trimmer and then a machinist until he retired as a supervisor of the machinist shop. In early retirement, he was very active in the Midwest Coin Shooters and Historical Club. He loved history and traveling. In recent years, he loved spending time with family, cutting grass and supporting his wife. Born Oct. 3, 1942, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Theresa (Coleman) and Henry E. Cords.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Dorothy (Hansmann) Cords; a daughter: Dorothy (Mark) Akins of Carterville, Ill.; a son: Karl (Janice) Cords of Pevely; 12 grandchildren: Daniel (Alexandra) Kinsey, Paul (Kristin) Cords, Rebecca (Brandon) Clay, Christopher Traub, Adelaide Cords, Karl (Hannah) Cords Jr., Alexander Traub, Lindsey Traub, James Cords, Charlie Sanford, Samantha Cords and Benjamin Cords; and 14 great-grandchildren: Jaxson, Asher, Scottlyn, Delaney, Heidi, Nora, Heinrich, Hugo, Peyton, Karl III, Hoover, Hazel, Ivan and Hansmann Cords.
He was preceded in death by two brothers: Henry (the late Janice) Cords Jr. and John Cords; a sister: Marynell (Carl survives) Willenbrock; and a grandchild: Paul Robert Christian Cords.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Monday, June 15, at Vinyard Hillcrest Funeral Home, 9115 Commercial Blvd., in Pevely. Funeral services are scheduled for noon Tuesday, June 16, at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Bruce Elliott. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Hillcrest Funeral Home.