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WEST TERRE HAUTE —
Paul Eugene Umphries, 88, of West Terre Haute, passed into paradise at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. He retired from Vigo Liquors after 24 years of service. He was born Nov. 8, 1923, in West Terre Haute, to Joseph Lewis Umphries and Mary Magdeline Darkis Umphries. His wife, Jean Marie Little Umphries, whom he married Feb. 21, 1946, preceded him in death on April 4, 2009.
Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Claude F. and Wanda Umphries, and Roger E. and Mary Umphries; two daughters and sons-in-law, Crystal and Robert Elkins, and Paula and Tim Johnston; a brother, Claude M. Umphries; two sisters-in-law, Betty Little and Helen Umphries; six grandchildren, Stephanie Johnston, Nicole Johnston Burger (Mike), Joseph Umphries (Jami), Andrew Umphries (Carla), Michelle Elkins, and Sara Umphries. He also was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Raymond and Clyde Umphries; a brother-in-law, Alton “Jim” Little; and a sister-in-law, Willa Mae McFarland Umphries.
He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army, having entered the service in 1942. He served in the 165th Antiaircraft Division, Battery C, in the Pacific Theatre, and was honorably discharged in 1947. Paul was a member of Libertyville Church of Christ, where he was the oldest surviving member. He also was a member of Teamsters Union Local 144 in Terre Haute, West Vigo Senior Citizens, American Legion Post 501, and Good Sams Club. He enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, “Winning” at Bingo, hunting, joking, napping, and family and friends.
Paul's funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday in Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, with the Rev. Mark Strahm officiating. Burial will be in New Providence Cemetery, with graveside military rites. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, and prior to services Saturday.
