Richard Bendel Paulus

Richard Bendel Paulus, 90, of Monroe, LA, passed away peacefully at home on April 7, 2024, after a courageous battle with a long-term illness. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many, he will be dearly missed.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00AM Thursday, April 11, 2024, at North Monroe Baptist Church at 210 Finks Hideaway Rd, Monroe, LA, with Dr. Bill Dye and Rev. Warren Eckhardt officiating. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00AM Thursday until service time at the church.

Born on February 9, 1934, in Natchez, MS, Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Emmitt George Carl Paulus and Mary Francis Elliott Paulus of Monroe, LA; and stepbrother, Raymond Jacobson of Hazelhurst, MS.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of over 64 years, Pauline Crenshaw Paulus; one daughter, Janet Lynn Paulus of Niceville, FL; sons Samuel Curtis Paulus of Allen, TX, J. Gregory Paulus of Miami Beach, FL; grandson Caleb Michael Young of The Woodlands, TX; brother Jack Foster and wife Marilyn Pittman Foster of Hazlehurst, MS; and numerous nephews and nieces with numerous extended family members.

Before graduating from Louisiana Tech University with a civil engineering degree in 1966, Richard was drafted and served in the US Army, stationed at Fort Ord, California, in 1957 and discharged in 1959. After his military service, he dedicated his career to the Louisiana Department of Transportation as a project engineer, retiring after 37 years of service. After retiring from the LDOT, Richard worked as the chief engineer for the City of Monroe for ten years.

An active member of the Monroe community, Richard was a Mason with The Masonic Lodge in Monroe, LA, from the age of 20. He also was a member of the Shriners for a time. Richard was a proud member of The American Legion and enjoyed his weekly coffee meetings. Richard also volunteered at the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum, sharing his passion for military history.

Richard was a dedicated member of the North Monroe Baptist Church for a long time. He was known for his kind and caring nature and loved interacting with others through his lively storytelling. He was a devout follower of Jesus Christ and urged everyone to get their hearts right with God. Richard had an excellent memory for scripture and Bible stories, which he loved sharing with others. His favorite moments were spent surrounded by family, friends, and his beloved dog, Jake, which he walked around Treasure Island daily. Richard will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Pallbearers will be Scott McMickel, Doug George, Rhett George, Jay Huckabee, Mike Wyatt, and Don Dozier. Honorary Pallbearers are members of the American Legion Post 13, Bob Payne, Ed Johnston, Bill Wilson, David Johnston, Charles Tullos, Tom Shutt, Johnny Alligood, Retired Sheriff, Laymon Godwin, Dr. John Baker, Bob Bentz, Retired Judge Bob Harrison, Charles Rand, Jim Greenlaw, Dickie Culpepper, Jim Myers, John Obed, and Bob Ducet..

The family would like to thank the Heart of Hospice Staff for their care and compassion during his final days. We are especially grateful to RN Sheleka Barrett, Chaplain Derrick, and sitters Jessica, Janice, Alonia, and Sandreia for their kindness and support. We would also like to thank Dr. Larry Olinde (Monroe, LA) and Dr. Philip Boudreaux (New Orleans, LA) for their care and advice.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation In Memory of Richard Paulus: https://carcinoid.kindful.com/ or to the North Monroe Baptist Church Building Fund, 210 Finks Hideaway Rd. Monroe, LA, 71203.