Paul Pedersen

Paul Pedersen, 67, of Abilene died Thursday, December 22, 2011 at Abilene Regional Medical Center. Born in Albany, California on September 30, 1944, Paul was the son of the late Geneva (Barnes) and Al Pedersen. He received a Bachelor of Science degree, and in Abilene on April 14, 1967 married Violet Mae West. Paul served in the U. S. Air Force, retiring with the rank of MSGT. After his military retirement, he was a self-employed contractor and was the owner and operator of Pedersen Construction. In 1976, he moved from Plattsburg, New York to Abilene. Paul was a Lutheran and a member of the Masonic Lodge. Paul is survived by his wife, Vi Pedersen of Abilene; son, Paul E. Pedersen of Abilene; daughter, Marie Spaulding and husband Chester of Havre, Montana; and one grandson, Chaz "Pooper" Spaulding. Survivors also include three brothers and their wives, Richard Pedersen and Velda of Austin, Donnie Pedersen and Kay of Cherokee, Iowa, and Danny Pedersen and Joann of Liberty, Missouri; two sisters, Marilyn Drewes of Citrus Heights, California, and Shirley Lonning of Fort Dodge, Iowa; sister-in-law, Vickie Crowley and husband James of Hamlin, Texas; and several nieces and nephews, as well as Paul's beloved pets, Jax, Max and Mocha. A funeral service with military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, with Rev. James Clawson officiating. Graveside services will be held at 12 Noon Friday, December 30, in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Butman, Zeek Kelly, David Liske, Brad Turnbow, Fred Ochs and Danny Monnig. Memorial contributions may be made to Rescue the Animals SPCA, 4620 North 1st St., Abilene, TX 79603, or Disabled American Veterans, 2555 Grape St., Abilene, Texas 79601.