August 1, 1924 - April 11, 2002

Services for Paul Charles Phelps, 78, Decatur were Monday, April 14, at united Methodist Church in Decatur with the Rev. Philip Sloat officiating.  He died April 11, 2002 at Memorial Community Hospital in Blair.

A Masonic prayer service was held at Hamel-Peck-Pelan Funeral Home in Tekamah April 13, Masonic Lodge No. 31, A.F. and A.M. conducted the rite.

He was born August 1, 1924, in rural Decatur to Walter C. "Dutch" and Grace A. (Young) Phelps.  He graduated from Decatur High School in 1941.

Phelps was inducted into the U.S. Army on July 25, 1943, and was honorably discharged on January 24, 1947.

On July 30, 1949, he married Helen L. Bailey at Tekamah.  While he worked for Great Lakes Pipeline, they lived in several states before returning to Decatur, where they have resided since 1956.

Paul was employed in sales for various companies before being appointed Burt County Assessor.  He served in that office for a total of 21 years.  He also served on various county and village boards and committees.

Memberships included United Methodist Church in Decatur, where he served on the administrative board, VFW Gleason-Rogers Post No. 6926; a past Master of Star Lodge No. 88 at Decatur, receiving his 50 year pin from Tekamah Masonic Lodge No 31 in July 2002.  Paul was active in Decatur Community Club and Decatur Senior Citizens.  He volunteered for many youth activities, including announcing the high school football games, the summer baseball and softball programs, and teaching Sunday school.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, Randall Charles, and brothers Doyle and Hill Phelps.

Survivors include his wife, Helen of Decatur; daughters and son-in-law; Beth Phelps of San Francisco, CA; Kaye and Gary Trisdale, Blair; Judy Phelps, Omaha; grandchildren, Danny, Carly and Bailey Trisdale, all of Blair; great grandchildren, Christian Packett, Bradley Hansen and Zia Trisdale, all of Blair; sisters and brother-in-law, Helen Newton, and Phyllis and Jim Smith all of Decatur; many nieces and nephews.

Casket bearers were Roger Smith, Keith Smith, Jim Phelps, Ron Walter, Ralph Bailey and Richard Walters.  Honorary bearer was Donald Miller.  Sonia Church was vocalist and Helen Thomas was accompanist.

Burial was at Hillcrest Cemetery, Decatur, with military graveside rites by VFW Gleason-Rogers Post No. 6926 and American Legion Rogers-Crum Post No. 215.

Hamel -Peck-Pelan Funeral Home, Tekamah, was in charge of arrangements.