Paul Thomas Deecken

Paul Thomas Deecken, 99 passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2017 at Golden Oaks Ranch from complications of heart failure. Paul had been a resident of Hereford for 25 years, and Arizona for 38 years. He was born on Nov. 7, 1917 in Los Angeles, California to George Charles and Johanna Nicolene Deecken.

He spent his childhood with his sister and 2 brothers in the Arroyo Seco area near the Rose Bowl. After high school, he worked a variety of jobs that included dairyman, truck driver, and equipment operator with the Civilian Conservation Corps. He served as Private First Class, Construction Machine Operator with the 831st Engineering Aviation Battalion in the European Theater during World War II.

In 1946 he married Virginia Swearingen. They celebrated 59 years of marriage. After World War II, Paul pursued a career with the Department of Parks and Recreation, City of Los Angeles, as a heavy equipment operator before retiring in 1979.

After retirement, Paul enjoyed camping in the western United States with his wife and granddaughter. He was a lifelong, avid fisherman as well.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia. He is survived by his daughter Kris Love and granddaughter Michele Love and son Tom Deecken.

Paul will be lovingly remembered as a caring husband, father, and grandfather to his family and for his love of the outdoors, friendliness, and humor to all his acquaintances. May he rest in peace.

A brief memorial service for family and friends will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 16 at Jensen’s Sierra Vista Mortuary, 5515 S. Hwy 92, Sierra Vista, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity.

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