Paul Michael "Mike" Pashia, 69, of De Soto died June 16, 2024, in Festus. Mr. Pashia grew up on the banks of the Joachim Creek in De Soto with his grandma, grandpa and Mike's uncle, Jim “Bose.” Being a creek dweller most of the time, he loved fishing and he’d often reach under rocks, muddy riverbanks and downed trees to fish out catfish, suckers and an occasional snake. He and his friend, Mike Massey, enjoyed going on many adventures together. When the oil boom hit Texas in the 70s, he, Bose and several other family members moved to Houston. He became a long-haired Texas hippie and married a model, Lori Allen. He eventually moved back to Missouri. Mr. Pashia worked in the painting and drywall industry before he retired. In 1994, he was in a car accident and was in a coma for longer than a week. While he recovered and was getting back into the paint and drywall business, he had a stroke. He had to use a wheelchair and had a hard time talking and sometimes eating. Still, he made friends living at Hillcrest Assisted Living. He was a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan. He cherished memories with his friends and large family. Regardless of whether he was in Texas or Missouri, he was often the life of the party at family barbeques, fish fries at his mom and dad’s and family reunions where he’d tell stories and throw horseshoes. He enjoyed watching his two granddaughters grow up from afar, as they reside in Houston. He will be remembered for his “firecracker” personality. Born Aug. 16, 1954, in Festus, he was the son of the late Margaret Mary "Babe" (Pashia) and Lester Harness Jr.
He is survived by a son: Jeremy Pashia of Houston, Texas; three brothers: Lester "Les" Harness III of De Soto, Kenneth Harness of De Soto and Norman "Butch" (Linda) Harness of Herculaneum; a sister: Renee (Dennis Carr) Harness of Indianapolis, Ind.; two granddaughters: Olivia Eunice and Violet Grace; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother and caregiver: Mary Corrine (Rulo) Pashia; his grandfather: Leslie Pashia; an uncle: James “Bose” Pashia; and his aunts and uncles in the Pashia family.
A memorial gathering is scheduled from 10 a.m. until a memorial service at noon on Wednesday, June 26, at Mahn Funeral Home, 900 N. Main St., in De Soto, officiated by Rick Owens. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in De Soto. Memorials may be made to the Friends of the De Soto Public Library. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Funeral Home.