Martel, Paul
91, of St Louis, MO passed away on January 24, 2016.
Dear father of Annie (George Monagan) Martel, P. J. (Tom) Croft, Paul Martel II, Steve Martel, loving grandfather of Kyndal Braly, Justin Lewellen and Maggie Martel, loving great-grandfather of Kaiser, Porter, Malone and Sam. Preceded in death by daughter Mary Vogel and grandson Matthew Martel.
Paul served aboard the USS LAURENCE in WW II as a small boat group commander during the Okinawa invasion.
He attended Immaculate Conception HS in St. Mary’s, KS; earned his B.A. from Rockhurst College and M.Ed from St Louis University. During his 53 year career he coached high school and semi-pro football. Coach Martel’s impressive career began at Immaculata HS in Leavenworth, KS, and thereafter to St Agnes/Miege HS, St Louis U. High and the St Louis Gamblers, St Louis, MO. Coach Martel’s many awards included induction to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
We, his family, will miss his love, strength and encouraging words. He will also be greatly missed by long time friend Jane Loncaric and caregiver Sara Martel.
To Coach Martel’s family, friends and the beloved young men he coached through the years: “Never forget where you came from.” “Never forget who got you to where you are.” “Always remember: anything is yours if you are willing to pay the price.”
Services: Visitation, Thursday 1/28/2016, 3-8 pm. Funeral from KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL, 10151 Gravois, Friday, 1/29/2016, 9:00 am to St Catherine Laboure’ Church for 9:30 am Mass. Memorials to American Cancer Society or United Cerebral Palsy appreciated. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.