Paul David Chelius, 32, of Paris, beloved spouse and stepfather, faithful son, loyal brother and friend, died tragically in a farming accident near Detroit, Texas, on March 3, 2015.
Paul was born March 24, 1982, in Hartford, Connecticut. He grew up in Columbus, Georgia, from 1983 to 1993 when his family moved to Paris. Paul graduated from Paris High School in 2000 where he played soccer and football, was a quad player on the Blue Blazes drumline, was the “sound guy” for PHS theater, and was a member of the National Honor Society. He was an active member of Our Lady of Victory Youth Group and served on the Catholic Diocese of Tyler Youth Board and the SEARCH youth retreat staff. Paul was a member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie class of 2004 where he graduated with a degree in Agricultural Development and Business Leadership. He was a proud member of The Corps of Cadets Outlaw 8 Air Force Squadron.
Paul married the love of his life, Misty Satcher Chelius, on January 15th, 2012. In becoming a husband and stepfather, Paul found his greatest joy. His daughter Baylee was the center of his life, and he and Misty loved her together more than life itself. Paul’s first career was in the auto industry where he worked as a salesman and dealership sales manager in both Dallas and Paris. But he found his occupational passion working in the outdoors, farming and caring for animals. Paul was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan with his Dad and brother Danny. He was a light among his friends. He could make anyone smile on even the darkest of days and would loyally fight for and defend all those he loved. He will be terribly missed.
Paul is survived by his wife Misty and daughter Baylee Zachary, his parents Joan and Wendell Moore of Paris and Dan and Cheryl Chelius of Lakeside, California, his brother and sister-in-law Danny Chelius and Amber Pyeatt of Houston, his nieces Naomi and Charlotte Chelius of Houston, his stepsisters Bethany Herzog and Eve Herzog of Lakeside, California, and Robyn and David Douthit and his niece Kathryn of Colorado Springs, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his stepbrother Brent Moore of Paris and by all of his grandparents.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home. A rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, at Fry & Gibbs, 730 Clarksville Street, Paris, TX, 75460, with visiting hours to follow from 6-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, March 9th, at 4 pm at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 3300 Clarksville Street, Paris, TX, 75460, with internment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his brother, Brent. Pallbearers will be Steve Wilson, Chris Parks, Kevin Noonan, Bobby Noonan, Michael Johnson, Michael Parrish, Gerardo Mendez, Mathew Ivey, Jesse Witcher, and Dwayne Demedio. USN Chief Travis “TJ” Thomas will be an honorary pallbearer.
Online condolences may be sent to the Chelius famiy at www.fry-gibbs.com