Pablo Paul Lira

On Wednesday, July 24, 2019, Pablo "Paul" Jesse Lira, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully at the age of 90. Paul was born on March 4, 1929 in Woodlake, CA to Tomasa and Jose Velasquez (Lira). After the passing of his father, Paul was raised by his mother and Albino Galban alongside his four brothers and three sisters. In 1949 Paul enlisted in the United States Army where he served in Korea as a gunner. For his combat bravery there, he was awarded several medals including the Korean Service Medal with five Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, Occupational Medal for Japan, Combat Dignitary Badge and the Distinguished Unit Emblem. While on leave in 1951, Paul married the love of his life, Mary Lugo. Together, they had five children and raised them all in Woodlake. He taught his children the value of hard work, taking them with him to pick fruit. He worked until he just couldn't, retiring at age 72. Paul was honorably discharged from the Army in 1952 after sustaining injuries. He was a proud veteran and would often be seen wearing his Korean War Veterans hat. Paul was a man of few words�he didn't need many with all of the women in his family�but we knew he was the happiest if he was watching a western movie, listening to classic country music, talking agriculture or holding a baby. With 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren his arms were always full, and he would have been thrilled to hold the two great-grandbabies on the way. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 67 years (eight days shy of 68 years), his five children and their spouses Debbie, Eleanor "Tita" (Juan Gonzalez), Stanley (Nora), Paul (Rachel), and Elizabeth "Gidget" (Steve Haworth); his brothers Carmel and Rudy and his sister Inez as well as his many nieces and nephews, cousins and in-laws. Services will be held at St Frances Catholic Church (199 Pepper Street, Woodlake) at 10:00 am on Tuesday July 30th. Gathering will immediately follow at Woodlake Community Center (145 N. Magnolia Street, Woodlake). Condolences can be made to www.salseranddillard.com

Pablo Paul Lira

March 4, 1929 - July 24, 2019