Della Louise Paul

Della Louise Paul, 86, lived most of her life in Gilead, Indiana, passed on May 21, 2026 at the Waters of Peru, with family by her side. Della was born in Prestonsburg, Floyd County, Kentucky on September 16, 1939 to Jacob Issac and Anna Lou (Stanley) Damron. She graduated from Gilead High School 1957. In November of 1958 she married, her high school sweetheart, Charles Verdon Paul, in the Gilead United Methodist Church. They shared their life together for 63 years until his passing on March 30, 2020. Della worked as a cafeteria manager, for North Miami Consolidated Schools district, for forty years. Her love for cooking and her love for children served her very well. Della loved serving people in many ways but being a cook, If, you ever stopped by for a visit in her home, she always made sure you left with a full stomach or a snack of some kind. This was her way of showing her kind heartedness, generosity and love, for her family and friends. She and her husband enjoyed attending the Indianapolis 500 for many years. Della was also a member of Olive Branch Church of God, Roann, Indiana. She spoke many times of singing in a quartet at her church, that June Burrus started. Her joy for music and being a part of this group, brought a lot of fellowship and fun into her life with her church family. Pastor Lowell and June Burrus were a big part of Della and Verdons lives. Della also, taught various Sunday school classes at Olive Branch for children, as she was needed. Children brought much fulfillment and happiness to her life. Della came from a large family, she would often speak of how she cared for her brothers and sisters a lot growing up. She has four brothers, John Damron, (wife Joyce), Bob Damron (wife Diane), David Damron, Michael Damron and a sister, Kathy Ritter, all are still living. Also surviving is her daughter Diane K. and husband Brian Engel of Peru; son Stephen and wife Evey Paul of Mexico, Ind.; grandchildren Shane McNeeley (wife Dana), Jacqueline Prior (husband Justin), Jessica Hoffman (husband Damon), Grace Ireland (husband Andrew), and Katelynn Ali (husband Mortahda); and great grandchildren Owen, Wrenley, Quilynn, Baker, Blakely, and Yasmine. Della was preceded in death by her parents, husband Verdon, and sister Lenora Plothaw. The funeral service will be held at 2 pm, Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street Akron, Indiana with her brother Pastor Johnny Damron officiating. The interment will take place following the funeral service in the Gilead Cemetery, Gilead, Indiana next to her husband. Visitation hours will be held from 12 noon to 2 pm, Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, Indiana. Donations can be made in her memory to the North Miami Elementary School.

Della Louise Paul

September 16, 1939 - May 21, 2026