Paul David

Sauder

Paul passed away and was called to the glories of Heaven, Friday, Nov. 12, 2026.

He was born at home on the family farm in Grabill, Ind., Sept. 1, 1923. And was the first of seven siblings. He graduated from Leo High School. With his best friend Buck, they trapped muskrat and shot red squirrels. At the age of 13 he invited Jesus Christ into his life, when he responded to an altar call at an old fashioned tent revival meeting, sponsored by the local churches, and walked down the ‘‘sawdust trail.” He was baptized in the St. Joe River.

It was at Bluffton College that he met his sweetheart, Esther. After one year he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp in 1943 to avoid the draft, and to “fight with men who knew how to shoot and would have his back.” He was a meteorologist with the Second Air Wing, and earned his Purple Heart on July 4, 1943, Okinawa, Japan. He was awarded the Air Medal and two Gold Stars for 15 combat missions. After his discharge, he married Esther on Aug. 25, 1946, and they promptly towed a 28’ trailer with his ‘41 Ford to California where they settled in Glendale. He became a salesman, and the young couple was soon involved in the Van Nuys Missionary Church.

Paul and Es were active with youth, and as Sunday school teachers. They formed many lifelong friendships with the other young couples. They were a hospitable couple, entertaining many friends, pastors and missionaries in their home. They also served on local and regional boards. Whenever the doors of the church were open, they attended church as a family. It was not surprising that son David was called to the pastorate, and daughter Diane to overseas mission. Paul and Esther were involved in two church plants, West Valley Missionary Church, and Granada Hills Missionary Church where he was moderator for 15 years. Paul also served for 20 years on the board of the Western District Missionary Church Association.

He began selling real estate, and soon was the owner of 5 Star Realty in Woodland Hills. He was proud of his companies personal service, and many repeat customers. He was the longest serving broker in the San Fernando Valley, only retiring after 50 years, when he moved to Lewiston in 2011 at the age of 87. Sunday was the Lord’s day, and he did not work or show houses on that day. He was a regular and enthusiastic supporter of the Christian Business Men’s Association.

Paul was an avid hunter and fisherman, and harvested untold numbers of deer, and fish by the net loads. At 100, he was looking forward to his 20th elk. In 2019 he caught 723 crappie out of Mann Lake. His yearly calendar consisted of the opening of trout season in May, dove and rabbit in September, deer and elk in October and November, ducks and geese in January and February. His outings provided many happy family memories with the joy of successful outings, and great meals. The family ate ‘‘organic free range’’ fish and meat before it became currently popular. He always said he was a meat hunter, not a trophy hunter. And was proud of the fact that he ate venison every year since getting out of the service. Mountains, fields, lakes and streams were all part of family time with Dad. Paul was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.

One of his favorite Bible verses was Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will direct your paths.”

He is survived by four siblings, his children David, Diane, Constance and Carolyn; four grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, all of which he took fishing at every opportunity.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Tammany View Baptist Church, 3732 20th St., Lewiston.

Memorial donations may be made to World Partners, the missionary arm of the Missionary Church Association in Fort Wayne Indiana, P.O. Box 9333, Fort Wayne, IN, 46899-9333, or at wpartners.org.