Paul Cantrell

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Paul Dean Cantrell, age 93, passed away at 5:15 pm, Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at his home following an illness.

Paul was born November 9, 1929 in Tulsa, OK. His parents were George Henry and Naomi Kathryn (Cockrum) Cantrell. The family moved from Tulsa, OK to Galena, KS when Paul was a child.

He graduated from Galena High School with the class of 1947. He had lived in Joplin since May, 1952. 

Paul was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the US Army. He continued serving in the US Army Reserves until 1960. He worked for Eagle Picher in Joplin for 42 years, retiring in 1991 as the Environmental Test Lab manager – a department which he started for Eagle Picher. Most of the batteries used in the Saturn launch vehicle and Apollo spacecraft, lunar lander, and lunar rover were tested in the this lab under Paul’s management. For his work at Eagle Picher, Paul was awarded the NASA Manned Space Flight Awareness Award.

He was a charter member of Community Chapel Church, Joplin, MO where he and his wife Doris were active in many of the church activities. Paul was also the head usher at the church.

His favorite pastime was woodworking. Virtually everyone who knew Paul received or was aware of his woodworking talents and generosity.

Paul was married to Doris Pearl Messer on October 15, 1949, in Bentonville, AR. She survives.

Additional survivors include one son, Larry Paul Cantrell (Dianne), Joplin, MO; and one brother, Harry Cantrell (Dot), Galena, KS and many nephews, nieces, and friends that will all miss him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Eugene (Gene) Cantrell and two sisters, Stella McMurry, and Georgia Mattison.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm, Monday, March 27, 2023, at Community Chapel Church, 2740 E 26th St., Joplin, MO. Pastor Jeff Jones will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Galena, KS. Arrangements are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS.





In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to the Community Chapel Church.