Richard Paul Deatz, third child of Lee Sutter and Lois (Bartholomew) Deatz was born in a house about two miles south of Rock Port, Missouri, on October 6, 1932.  He attended rural schools until the 8^th grade when the family moved into town. He graduated from Rock Port High School in 1950.  Paul accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was baptized September 5, 1948.  He was a longstanding and faithful member of the Rock Port Baptist Church and ordained a deacon on May 2, 1976.

Paul volunteered his service to the U.S. Army on January 3, 1953 and received an honorable discharge on January 5, 1955.  He completed basic training in Fort Bragg, North Carolina and was stationed with the 82^nd Airborne Division as an office clerk.

Paul was united in marriage to Geneva Clouse from Grant City, Missouri on June 3, 1955.  After a short move to California, they returned to Missouri and purchased the Vanoye Bartholomew farm 10 miles north of Rock Port and established their farming operation.  Three children were born to Paul and Geneva; Scott, LeAnn, and Darren.  Paul farmed his land and built 14 homes around the Rock Port area, including a new home for his family on the farm. He was very handy, fixing and building things, and was always willing to lend a helping hand with projects at church or in the neighborhood.  No matter what the tool, he knew how to get the job done.  He also loved gadgets and modifying things to be more functional and convenient.

Paul married Lois (Bryant) Clifton on January 14, 2001 and moved to Mound City.  He transferred his church membership to the Christian Fellowship Church.  Lois and Paul enjoyed traveling and gardening.  They made numerous trips to Branson, California and Hawaii.  They particularly enjoyed their cruise to Alaska and the Panama Canal.  They created some beautiful gardens, including one with a waterfall in their back yard.  Living in a different house and town created new opportunities for building projects and improvements, which gave him enjoyment, as he loved to help people.  He also continued to help Scott on the farm as long as his health allowed. Paul departed this life on September 13^th, 2019 at the age of 86 years, 11 months and 7 days.

Besides his parents and wife, Geneva, Paul was preceded in death by sisters and brothers-in-law, Beth (Bill) Carey, Bonnie (Delmas) Howell; niece, Kelly Russell; brothers-in-law, Rex Bryant, Tom (Maggie) Bryant, Jack Smith, and Dale Emberton; sisters-in-law, Leona (Marvin) Sheldon.  Survivors include wife, Lois Deatz, Mound City; children, Scott (Michelle) Deatz, Rock Port, LeAnn (Curtis) Mather, Lebanon, Missouri, Darren (Mandy Curtis) Deatz, Dardenne Prairie, Missouri, Mike (Shirley) Clifton, Tarkio, Missouri, Melinda (Mark) Dudeck, Oregon, Missouri, Matt (Debi) Clifton, Mound City; grandchildren, Miranda Deatz, Mercer Deatz, Justin Mather, Mitchell Mather, Cole Mather, Kyle Deatz, Cameron Deatz, Brent (Colleen) Clifton, Bryce (Stephanie) Clifton, Andrew (Megan) Dudeck, Ben Dudeck, Miles Clifton, Haylee (Adam) Summers; great-grandchildren, Murphy Clifton and Carter Summers; sister, Jane (Joe) Amthor, Atchison, Kansas; brother-in-law, Loren (Peggy) Clouse; brother-in-law, Gary Bryant; sisters-in-law, Pat Bryant, Norma Smith, Marcia Emberton, Sheril Lowman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service: 12:00 Noon, Monday, September 16, 2019, Christian Fellowship Church, Mound City.

Private Family Inurnment will be held at English Grove Cemetery, Fairfax, Missouri, at a later date.

Family Visitation:  11:00-11:50 A.M., Monday, September 16th, Christian Fellowship Church.

Memorials:  Rock Port Baptist Church, Atchison County Memorial Building Foundation, or English Grove Cemetery, Fairfax.

www.minterfuneralchapels.com

Arrangements: Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.