Paul Portell, 88, of De Soto died Sept. 22, 2019, at Crystal Oaks Nursing Center in Festus. Mr. Portell was a retired salesman for American Bakeries and was a member of the St. Rose Lima Catholic Church in De Soto. He was retired from the U.S. Army and was a member of the De Soto Knights of Columbus Council 1088, where he served as financial secretary for four years and was involved in many activities such as the whole-hog dinners and the annual Nativity scene; the De Soto Elks Lodge, where he served as lodge chaplain; and a lifetime member of De Soto Amvets Post 48. He was a classic car enthusiast, enjoyed woodworking and was an avid golfer who helped start the annual Jefferson County Golf Tournament to benefit Alzheimer’s disease. Born Aug. 1, 1931, in Cadet, he was the son of the late Gilley F. and Pearl A. (Oster) Portell. He was preceded in death by his wife: Juanita (Boyer) Portell.
He is survived by six children: Wayne (Cathy) Portell of O’Fallon, Richard (Susan) Portell of Longmont, Colo., Dan (Suzanne) Portell of Branson, Pamela Langan of De Soto, Cheryl (Joe) Beffa and Tina (Brad) Goodwin of Crystal City; 15 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers: Rondell and Elwin Portell; and four sisters: Kathleen Welko, Adele Coleman,Sister Melanie Joseph and Virginia Hearst.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements were under the direction of Mahn Funeral Home in De Soto.