Obituary of Boyd Paul

Boyd Edward Paul of Snow Shoe, PA, passed away unexpectedly on September 18, 2013. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Barbara in January 2013. Boyd is survived by two daughters, Betsey E. Howell (Stacy) of Runville and Barbara C. Daughenbaugh (the late John L.) of Neptune Beach, FL. Also surviving are five Grandchildren, Barbara McMasters (Bryan), Lori Liberatore (Greg), Jacqueline Daughenbaugh, David Howell, Bryan Howell (Elaina); seven Great Grandchildren, Taylor Catrett (Christopher), Christian, Courtney and Hunter Gray, Brittany McMasters, Alyse and Grant Howell, one Great, Great Granddaughter, Lacey Catrett, a brother, William Paul (Helen) of Karthaus, numerous nieces and nephews and, never to be forgotten, his faithful companion, Middy.

Boyd was born in Karthaus, PA, the son of the late Michael A. and Irma Holt Paul. Boyd attended Karthaus High School and Shepard of the Hills Lutheran Church. He was a WWII veteran proudly serving in the United States Navy as a Radioman. Among his duty stations, Boyd served as Radioman on board the 7th Fleet Flag ship along with ADM Halsey. He was also on board when General McAuthor “returned” to the Philippines. During his U.S. Navy service, Boyd was awarded various medals and ribbons including the Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

After an Honorable Discharge, Boyd returned from the war and was employed by H&P Coal Company and Hall’s hosiery mill prior to opening his own business, Boyd's Body Shop, in the early 1950s in a one car garage attached to his home. He eventually built a larger garage, which still stands on the original location. He successfully operated his business and personally worked on each vehicle until his retirement ten years ago. He usually convinced everyone to go with some shade of brown if the car paint color was in question. Boyd also was asked by local high schools to train high school students in all facets of automobile repair. While developing his auto repair business, Boyd also secured a government contract to deliver mail to various United States Post Offices throughout Centre County.

Boyd enjoyed restoring antique cars then entering them in local competitions. His many 1st place trophies attest to his sense of perfection and restoration capabilities. He enjoyed this undertaking for several years. Boyd’s Radioman background also kept him busy enjoying his short wave radio. Morse code was a way of life for him when he was “on the air”. He subsequently joined NAVY MARS (Military Affiliate Radio System) where he served as Area Coordinator for Western Pennsylvania assisting with all emergency communications. Boyd was affiliated with NAVY MARS for 43 Yrs. His call sign was W3NTL. He also was a member of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), and a life member of the Society of Wireless Pioneers, continuing association with these organizations until his passing. Boyd’s abilities in both his vocation and avocations provided him with contacts all over the world. As a member of Navy MARS, Boyd communicated with many people via HAM radio. Acknowledgements of those occasions were sent to Boyd by the crew of the USS Ticonderoga, while they were recovering Apollo 16; Flight of Columbia, STS-9/Spacelab-1; and Rear Admiral, Ralph M. Ghormley, United States Navy Commander, to name a few of the hundreds received from around the world.
Boyd had the innate ability to be able to listen to music then play it on a guitar, piano or “fiddle” without having seen the written music. Boyd gathered a group of talented men and “Boyd Paul and his Merry Mountaineers” was born. Boyd and the band played country western music for round and square dances at various establishments and functions throughout Pennsylvania for many years.

Since 1982, with the exception of two years, Boyd faithfully, diligently and admirably served his community as Mayor of Snow Shoe. One of his accomplishments is that he was instrumental in implementing a successful fingerprinting program to help identify Mountaintop children in case of emergencies. Boyd was an active lifetime member and held various positions in the Snow Shoe VFW, Snow Shoe Lions Club, Snow Shoe Fire Company, Snow Shoe Park Corporation as well as other civic organizations and committees.
Along with his parents, Boyd was preceded in death by one sister and one brother.

Friends will be received on Saturday, October 5, 2013 from 9–11AM at the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, 106 W. Sycamore St, Snow Shoe. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 11:00AM at the funeral home with Pastor Will Osman officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in Keewaydin Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Boyd’s memory to Clearfield Hospital Hospice, P.O. Box 992, Clearfield, PA 16830 or to the Wounded Warriors Project, 301 Grant Street, Suite 900, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, 106 W. Sycamore ST. Snow Shoe. An online guest book can be signed or condolences to the family available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com