Paul L. Proper's Obituary
CSM Paul Proper passed away June 24, 2013 in Gig Harbor. Paul enjoyed playing baseball in school and led the league in batting. Paul joined the US Navy in 1942 and was assigned to the Light Cruiser (CL-54) U.S.S. San Juan. Later in the war, Paul asked to go to Sub School and transferred to Submarine U.S.S. Tirante SS-420. The Tirante with its daring Capt. Street won many battle honors and a movie was made about the Tirante and its crew. The Sub and its Capt. were awarded the Medal of Honor.
After the war, Paul returned to Ohio and married Avalee Bradrick in May 1946. Not long after, Paul joined the US Army and was sent to Korea with the 3rd Infantry division. Paul was awarded a Bronze Star for his actions in Korea. Paul along with his family made the Army his career, which included two tours of duty in Germany, serving at Fort Sill, returning to Korea in 1960 with the 17th Artillery, First Corps., serving with the 30th Artillery at Fort Lewis and returning to Germany with the 76th Artillery, 3rd Infantry Division where Paul ended his military career in 1965.
After retirement, Paul worked for Boeing, the Post Exchange and various retail companies. Paul was a member of Steilacoom Lodge No.2 and a Shriner, where he was the Afifi Clowns director. Paul could be seen in many Daffodil Parades riding in his go-kart and giving candy to the kids. Paul was also President of the Mt. Tacoma Shrine Club. Paul loved to golf and always encouraged his kids to get on the course with him. Paul is survived by five children: Craig, Barbara Gail, Michael, Jeffery, and Pamela; 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. There will be a military service on July 19th at 11:15 am at Tahoma National Cemetery. We also invite family and friends to a memorial reception to honor Paul at Mt. View Funeral Home Celebration of Life Center’s Willow Room in Lakewood at 1:00 pm that same day.
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