Paul Dennis Pavlu, 70, passed away on November 11, 2020 at the Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, Kansas.  He was born on October 24, 1950 in Hays, Kansas the son of Frances and Margery (Gaudette) Pavlu.

Paul was raised on a farm S.W. of Brownell Attending grade school at Brownell and High School in Ness City, graduating in 1969.

After graduation Paul entered the U.S. Marine Corps.  He served six months in Vietnam as a Lance Corporal in the 3 ^rd Marine Division, 3 ^rd Marine AMF, 3 ^rd Combined Action Group and earned the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Rifle Sharp Shooter Badge.  Paul became a Defender of Liberty as a Marine during the Vietnam War and lived out his patriotic love of country throughout his life.  He exemplified this to his family and friends through his dedication to his country.

Paul married Pamela McDonald on July 30, 1971 and attended FHSU until he was given the opportunity to manage a Plainsman Farm Supply Store in Phillipsburg, Kansas for two years. Returning to Brownell in 1975 to manage the family farm after his father retired due to illness.

Paul felt it was important to also serve his community.  He was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4 ^th Degree. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 3 ^rd Degree in Ness City. He belonged to the Sunley-Squier American Legion Post No. 382 in Brownell and the VFW Post No. 7972 of Ransom. He was a Ness County commissioner for eight years, President of St. Mary's Heritage Foundation in McCracken, and was always willing to volunteer his time wherever needed.  Following in his dad's footsteps, he played the role of Santa Claus in the Brownell area for many years.

Paul enjoyed time spent with others having a joke to tell, that changed each time he told it, and wisdom to share. Paul had strong beliefs and was willing to share his beliefs with others.  Playing cards was a passion – pitch, poker, and board games – always looking forward to the fun and friendship that came with it.  From family gatherings to weekly Texas Hold'em tournaments, win or lose, always there for a good time.  Paul enjoyed following the activities of his children, grandchildren, and extended family.  He loved the land, farming, his cattle, hunting, traveling and fellowship.  He loved the Lord.

Survivors include his wife, Pamela Pavlu of the home; 2 sons, Aaron and wife, Stephanie Pavlu and  Jason Pavlu and Dawn Mai, all of Ness City;  a daughter, Amanda, and husband, Chris Thom of Hastings, NE; 4 sisters, Linda and husband, Steven Hanan of San Antonio, TX, Marye and husband, Bob Clouston of Manhattan, Joan and husband, Mike Bruntz of Bazine, Laurie and husband Darrell Dechant of Manhattan; 8 grandchildren, Mckenna, Alex, Jaiden, Audrey, Kaleb, Dylan, Alivia, and Estelle.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Margery Pavlu and nieces, Christina Hanan and Angela Dechant.

Rosary and Parish Vigil will be on Sunday, November 15, 2020, 6:30 P.M. at the Sacred Heart Church, Ness City. Funeral service will be on Monday, November 16, 2020, 10:00 A.M., at the Sacred Heart Church. Burial in the Vansburgh Cemetery, Brownell, Kansas.  Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, Kansas, 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Sunday, November 15, 2020.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Western Plains Honor Flight, Sacred Heart School, or St. Mary's Heritage Foundation.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book.

The rosary and funeral service will be available for viewing via Facebook live at https://www.facebook.com/FitzgeraldFuneral