Colonel (Ret) Paul Edward Idol of Topeka, KS passed away on August 16, 2024. Paul was born May 19, 1932 in White Cloud KS and was one of five children of Paul and Thelma (Taylor) Idol.
Paul graduated from Reserve High School in 1950 and attended Highland Community College for two years before he was drafted into the Army in 1952. He spent the next 2 years fighting in Korea before returning home in 1954. After being discharged from the Army, Paul served in the Kansas Army National Guard while attending and graduating from Emporia State University in May 1957. He was then commissioned a second lieutenant after graduating in the first class of the Kansas National Guard Officer Candidate School in July 1957. He taught school in WaKeeney KS before moving to Winchester KS to be the Grade School Principal and teacher. This is where he met his future wife Cloeva Johnson. They were married November 18, 1962.
He was called back to Army active duty in 1968 to serve with the Selective Service headquarters in Topeka. After being released from active duty in 1976, he worked for the Kansas State Board of Agriculture and was director of the 1980 Census for Eastern Kansas before being promoted in 1985 to Colonel and Chief of the Selective Service section for the Kansas Army National Guard. He retired from his beloved Army in 1992 after 38 years of service. In 2012 he was inducted into the Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame, an achievement that he was extremely proud of.
Paul was the last of his siblings to pass and was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Mary Louise and Pat; and brothers Harold (Bud) and Martin.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Cloeva and their two sons Eric Idol from Topeka, and Deric Idol (Sheri) from Andover KS; Granddaughters Jenna Pretz (Garrett) and Sara Idol; and numerous Enke and Idol Families; nieces and nephews.
Paul’s quiet love and gentle spirit profoundly touched all of our lives. May the stars above bear witness to his gentle spirit and may we, in our own humble ways, carry his legacy forward.
Visitation for friends and family will be at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, Kansas starting at 12:30 until 2 p.m. Saturday, August 24, 2024, to go in procession to Olive Branch Cemetery, White Cloud for graveside services and military honors. Chaplin (LTC-Ret) Larry Parrish will officiate.
Please join family and friends at the American Legion in White Cloud for refreshments immediately following services.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church, 6020 SE 44th, Tecumseh, KS 66542 or Museum of the Kansas National Guard, 125 SE Airport Drive, Topeka, KS 66619.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Friday
A Celebration of Paul’s Eternal Life will also be held on August 31 at Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church, Tecumseh.
