Paul Dean Bledsoe, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away in the early hours of December 10, 2023, surrounded by his family. Paul was born to Oris “Clyde” and Loretta (Myers) Bledsoe on July 29, 1940. He grew up in northern Greene County and graduated from Fair Grove High School in 1958. Paul was married to Effie Jane Mason on July 21, 1961, at Mt. Comfort Church in Springfield, Missouri. Paul and Effie shared 62 years of marriage before Paul’s passing. The couple was blessed with three children, Brad, Kelly and Terry.

Paul was employed with several manufacturing companies and retired from the Springfield Public School District, where he worked as a carpenter. Paul enjoyed farming, raising hay and beef cattle. When not working, Paul enjoyed spending time with his family, watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball and Westerns. Paul will be remembered for his stories, jokes, and the love he gave to his family. 

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Loretta Bledsoe; and his siblings, Glenn, Otis, Mary Sue, and Bertha Ann. He is survived by his wife Effie; sons, Brad (wife Elizabeth) of Springfield, Missouri, Kelly of Springfield, Missouri, and Terry (wife Lori) of Willard, Missouri. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Grant (wife Melissa), Taylor (husband Ryan), Kevin (fiancée Sydney), Callie (husband Bob), Kaden (wife Lauren), Mamie (partner Jake), Kira (partner Rylan), Kassidy (partner Luis), Kerrick, and Kash. Finally, he is survived by eight great-grandchildren.

The visitation for Paul Dean Bledsoe will be held on December 13, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, Missouri. A graveside service for Paul will be held on December 14, 2023, 1:00 pm, at White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Springfield, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Paul’s memory to the organization of the donor’s choice.