Paul Lira

Paul Lira, or Paulie to those who knew him well, was born to Paul and Mary Lira on December 13, 1955, and went home to be with our Lord on Wednesday, November 11th. Paul had been in the hospital fighting COVID-19 for over a month when he was called home to rest. He was born in Exeter and raised in Woodlake, CA. Paul was the youngest of four siblings. He is survived by his brother Stanley (m. Nora), and sisters Debra, Eleanor (m. Juan Gonzales), and Elizabeth (aka: Gidget). Paul was a loving husband to Rachel and an amazing father to Katie (m. Michael Drewry) and Charlotte. His greatest joy was being a grandfather to Lilly and Elijah. He looked forward to every visit he had with them, and cherished every moment. Paul's love for his family extended to each of his nine nieces, six nephews, nine great nieces, 10 great nephews and many others who with love, he was known as Tio, Uncle, and even Papa Paul. Woodlake was always a special place for Paul. He moved back to his hometown in 1998 and became active in the community. He was a member of the Woodlake Lions Club for over 20 years, serving as president in 2012- one of his proudest accomplishments. We wanted to share Paul's message as Lions President that was in the 2012 rodeo program, "My road to the rodeo has always been in my life since a kid. I have been in Woodlake my entire life. They say you can leave Woodlake, but it never leaves you. I found my way back home about 15 years ago and have replanted my roots. As a kid I remember the rodeo starting with the parade then finding a ride out to the rodeo grounds. I would always see my uncle Conrad Sanchez, a former Lions member, working in one of the booths. I said to myself maybe one day I can be a Lions member, and 45 years later, here I am." Paul was also proud to serve as a Woodlake Planning Commissioner for four years. He was so dedicated that at times when he knew he was not going to make meetings on time he would pull over on the side of the road and call into the meeting to attend. Paul never said no to people who asked for help. He often volunteered his time to organizations like Woodlake Youth Football, Tiger Sharks Swim Team, School Parent Organization, Woodlake Youth Cheer, and Summer Night Lights. Paul made his living in pest control for 45 years, he prided himself on his work ethic and the quality of service he provided to his customers, he trained and mentored the new generation to provide the same service to customers he was so proud of providing. Paul was one of a kind and will be missed in the industry. Paul impacted everyone who knew him. Whether it has been from being their technician, mentor, or just someone he met in the street he always made some sort of impression on them. His fatherly instincts, outgoing persona, love for the Lord and life made him a respected and adored member of all the communities he was in. Our family would like to thank everyone who prayed for Paul. The Lord had a special plan for him and he fulfilled it with all he had. God is good and loving and we have been blessed to have Paul in our lives. In lieu of flowers, your expressions of sympathy or donations may be mailed to Rachel Lira at 297 Saint Johns St, Woodlake Ca. 93286. All donations will go into a college fund for his daughter and grandchildren. Services for Paul Lira will be held Saturday November 28th at 3 o'clock at the Woodlake Rodeo Grounds. Due to Covid the family asks that you please stay in your car as the services will be held as a drive in movie style. 19400 Ave 398, Woodlake, CA 93286

Paul Lira

December 13, 1955 - November 11, 2020