Paul Moses, Sr.

Paul Moses was born into this world on February 16, 1920 in DeRidder, Louisiana to Pete and Elizabeth Moses. He was one of ten children and had to take over the family farm and become father to that family around the age of 16. Despite the farm responsibilities and helping to raise a family of 10 with no mother or father, Paul graduated from Sugartown High School and then went on to receive his B.S. in education from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now ULL).

Paul began his education career as a teacher at Gillis High School. His career came to a pause due to World War II. Paul served a tour of duty as a Naval Aviator during the war. Paul was a pilot for the United States Navy from 1941 to 1945. While serving as an Aviation Instructor in Pensacola, Florida, he met and married Eloise Edwards.

After completing his stint in the U.S. Navy, Paul returned to Calcasieu Parish to pick up where he left off. He returned to his education career and became the principal of Gillis High School. While principal at Gillis, he also was both a teacher and a coach.

In wanting to further his career, Paul continued his education and received both his Master's Degree in Education and his Ph.D. in School Administration from Louisiana State University.

During his career, Paul served as a teacher, coach, elementary and high school principal, Supervisor of Instruction, Assistant Superintendent for Administration, Curriculum and Instruction. Paul was named Superintendent of Calcasieu Parish Schools in 1971 and served in that role until 1975.

During his career in education, Paul participated in many organizations both educational and civic. Paul was a member of the Louisiana School Superintendents' Association serving as both Secretary Treasurer and Vice-President. He was a member of the Calcasieu Parish Teachers' Association and served as President at one point. Paul was also the Executive Director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents.

Paul was a member of the Southeast Lake Charles Rotary Club and is a Past President. He was a Past President of Board of Directors of the Lake Charles City Library and also served as Secretary Treasurer and Vice President of Chennault Air Park Authority.

Some of the other organizations that Paul has participated in were Louisiana Savings and Loan, where he served on the Board of Directors. Paul was a 32nd Degree Mason and a founding member of St. Luke Methodist Church (now St. Luke-Simpson Methodist). Paul was also a member of Phi Delta Kappa.

Paul has been married to Eloise Edwards Moses for 65 years and has three children, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Eloise was a career educator and all three children have been and still are educators a very education oriented family. Paul always stayed very much abreast of what was happening in the Calcasieu Parish School System and is a huge supporter of the present Superintendent in Calcasieu who happens to be his son-in-law, Wayne Savoy.

Anyone who knows Paul, knows that he has been an avid sportsman fishing and hunting his entire life. His favorite thing to do was setting out catfish trotlines on Toledo Bend and bringing in the big one! He shared his love of fishing with many people throughout his lifetime. Paul has been an avid supporter of any LSU sport and has cheered his team on to many victories.

He leaves to cherish his loving wife of 65 years, Eloise Edwards Moses. Paul has two sons, Dr. Paul Moses, Jr. and wife Paula of College Station, Texas, Frank Moses and wife Jean of Lake Charles; and one daughter, Eva Savoy and husband Wayne also of Lake Charles.

He also leaves one sister, Bonnie McCreary of Texarkana, Texas; and three brothers, Neil Moses of San Diego, W.C. Moses of Hillsboro, Oregon, and Bruce Moses of Alexandria.

Paul has nine grandchildren, Paul Moses, III (Denise), Kim Moses, Richard Lightfoot (Laura), Nick Lightfoot (Paige), Tessa Webster (Chris), Kyra Savoy, Megan Mungovan (Matt), Todd Moses, Boyd Moses (Kristen); and seven great-grandchildren, McKenzie and Cohen Lightfoot, Sofia Webster, Matt, Ben, Joanna, and Joshua Mungovan. Paul also leaves many nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Paul.

He will join in Heaven his parents; two brothers, Ted and L.C. Moses; and three sisters, Ora Lee Frusha, Belle Rhoades, and Jessie Mae Ruddock.

Paul was a loving husband, father, and brother, and he will be missed greatly. He was our strength.

Pallbearers for the service will be, Paul Moses III, Nick Lightfoot, Richard Lightfoot, Chris Webster, Boyd Moses, and Todd Moses.

His funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 13, 2010 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Reverends Henry Bowdon and Karl Klaus will officiate. Burial will follow in Prien Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and continue on Friday from 8:00 AM until the start of the service.