Russell Joseph Paulus

Russell Joseph Paulus, age 63, of Crestview, FL, was called to the Gates of Heaven to join his wife on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. He was born July 25, 1953, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Harry F. and Helen B. Paulus, and was the 7th out of 12 children. Russ grew up in Bronxville, New York. After graduating high school, he enlisted to serve our country in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base as well as retired from the same base. He was a single parent to his 3 children. Russ spent all of his time focused on his children and his family, whether it was through the Boy Scouts, band, or driving 24 hours to visit his brothers and sisters in New York. Russ found the love of his life, Marie Nilsen whom he married several years later. They enjoyed many good years together. After Marie was called to the Lord, he spent the rest of his time enjoying visits from kids and watching his grandchildren grow up. He had many struggles with his multiple sclerosis, but he never let that slow him down. Russell may have move a little slower, but he enjoyed his life all the way to the end. Russell was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marie Paulus, brothers, Bill Johnson, Charlie Gutekunst, Pat Vecchione, Lawrence Nilsen, Billy "Whopper" Paulus and a sister Diane Johnson. He is survived by his son, Harry F. Paulus (wife, Shannel), of Niceville, FL; daughters, Helen B. Breshears (husband, Dax), of Portland, TX, and Athena Black (husband, Homer), of Davenport, FL; brothers, Harry Paulus, Jim Paulus, Jack Paulus, Wayne Nilsen and Robbie Nilsen; sisters, Joanne Vecchione, Barbara Gutekunst, Mary Babcock, Nancy Acciavatti, Karin Paulus, Terese Ghio, Christine Mueller, Harriet Radford and Gaye Martin; and 8 grandchildren, Ashton Racheau, Hunter Breshears, Bailey Breshears, Isabel Torres, Madison Black, Marshall Black, Aurora Paulus and Lianna Paulus. A time of visitation will be from 3-5 PM on Sunday, July 16, 2017, at Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home. A celebration of Russ’s life will be held at 11 AM Monday at the funeral home. Pallbearers are Jim Paulus, Jack Paulus, John Acciavatti, Hunter Breshears, Homer Black and Dax Breshears.  Committal services and burial will follow at Liveoak Memorial Park Cemetery.

 Service Information