Paul Gerald Mclard

MSgt (Ret) Paul Gerald Mclard of Headland, AL passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on September 21, 2023, after an extended illness. He was 84 years old. Born May 2, 1939, Paul was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Paul was born in Dexter, MO, and after high school enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1957 and began a career spanning over 22 years as an aircraft electrical technician during some of the most tumultuous years in our nation's history. He served during both the Cold War with the Soviets and during the Vietnam Conflict. After military service he spent many more years in service to the Air Force as a civilian aircraft electrician and as a manager for the Air Force's Cargo Test Parachute program at the Air Force's premier flight test base, Edwards AFB, CA.

He met the love of his life Hazel, while assigned to overseas duty in Newfoundland marking the beginning of an almost 63-year journey together. The couple was blessed with three children, Kevin, Carol, and Bill. Like most military families, they moved around a lot. They were stationed in Kansas, Louisiana, Virginia, Tennessee, and Arizona. The family was stationed overseas in Okinawa and Iceland. Throughout all these different places of assignment, he was devoted to his family, keeping them together when he could and ensuring the family could take part in adventures wherever they were.

Paul was a faithful servant of God. He was raised and raised his family in the Churches of Christ. Throughout his life, no matter where they were stationed, he led his family in service to Christ. In his years after retirement from active duty, he and others started the first Church of Christ in the small desert town of California City, CA. He along with his brother-in-law Bill Dozier, literally built the small church. He was a leader in the Church and worked in prison ministry, bringing those who had lived a hard life to Christ. He was an example for everyone he met in his faith, character, integrity and his kindness to others. At the time of his passing, he was a member of the Honeysuckle Road Congregation in Dothan, AL. He truly lived Christ's greatest commandment. He loved the LORD with all his heart, soul, and mind and he loved his neighbor as he did himself.

He is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Faye Mclard of Dexter, MO. His sister Marie Thompson of Navarre, FL, his brother-in-law Bill Dozier of Doe Run, MO, and his grandson Christopher Mclard of Tracy, CA.

He is survived by his dear wife of over 62 years Hazel Mclard, his sons Kevin Mclard (Tina) of Tracy, CA, Bill Mclard (Elizabeth) of Ozark, AL, his daughter Carol Boger (Rick) of Dothan, AL, and one sister, Lillian Dozier of Rockledge, FL, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he loved and adored along with many special nieces, nephews, and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 23rd, at Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home, 1700 Barrington Rd, Midland City, AL 36350. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. with a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. followed by military honors. A reception will be held immediately following in the reception hall at Sunset Memorial.

Robert Byrd of Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com