1921
Paul
2008
Paul Theodore Fant
January 6, 1921 — January 25, 2008
On January 25, 2008, Paul Theodore Fant met the Lord in person after living a memorable life on earth for 87 years.
John Emil and Esther Christina (Eklund) Fant welcomed second son Paul as brother to Everett on January 6, 1921, in Sycamore, IL. After graduating from Sycamore High School as class vice president and working as a printer for the Sycamore Tribune, Paul enlisted in the US Navy, a decision that affected the rest of his life. During World War II he served on the destroyer USS the Sullivans in the South Pacific. He was promoted to Chief, Fire Control Officer, highest rank for a non-commissioned officer. Military experiences, bonds formed with crew, and the Sullivan family all led Paul and two shipmates to found The Sullivans Association. Through the vision and efforts of these men, regular reunions of crew members have been held across the country for 30 years and the ship has been preserved in the Naval Park, Buffalo, NY.
Within a year of discharge, Paul married the love of his life Helen V. Larson on October 12, 1946. The couple moved to Rockford where Paul studied accounting at Rockford Business College and he began the role of devoted Dad to daughter Joan. After residing in Oregon, Princeton, and Pekin, the family settled in Normal where Paul worked for the McLean County Service Company until his retirement in 1981. Sixteen years ago, Paul and Helen made a final move to Moline to be close to their family, including Joan and son-in-law Douglas Olson of Moline, grandchildren Christopher (Jennifer) Olson of East Moline, Elizabeth McKee of Davenport, Katherine Olson and Andrew Olson, both of Champaign, and great-grandchildren Corbin and Gwyn McKee.
In every community where Paul resided, he faithfully worshipped and served the church in various capacities: choir, Bible class, cleaning crew, trustee. In Moline he held membership at First Covenant Church.
Although friends and family will forever grieve his loss, they will always treasure memories of his creativity, ability to build and fix anything, devotion, support, wit, wisdom, love, strength, and comfort. And, all will chuckle in remembering his humorous stories and catchy phrases.
Visitation will be at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd. Moline, Monday, January 28, 2008, 4-7 PM. On Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at noon, funeral sevices will be at First Covenant Church, Moline. Burial will be in National Cemetery, Arsenal Island, with military honors conducted by Moline American Legion Post #246.
Memorials may be made to First Covenant Church. Online condolences may be expressed to Paul's family at www.esterdahlmortuary.com.
John Emil and Esther Christina (Eklund) Fant welcomed second son Paul as brother to Everett on January 6, 1921, in Sycamore, IL. After graduating from Sycamore High School as class vice president and working as a printer for the Sycamore Tribune, Paul enlisted in the US Navy, a decision that affected the rest of his life. During World War II he served on the destroyer USS the Sullivans in the South Pacific. He was promoted to Chief, Fire Control Officer, highest rank for a non-commissioned officer. Military experiences, bonds formed with crew, and the Sullivan family all led Paul and two shipmates to found The Sullivans Association. Through the vision and efforts of these men, regular reunions of crew members have been held across the country for 30 years and the ship has been preserved in the Naval Park, Buffalo, NY.
Within a year of discharge, Paul married the love of his life Helen V. Larson on October 12, 1946. The couple moved to Rockford where Paul studied accounting at Rockford Business College and he began the role of devoted Dad to daughter Joan. After residing in Oregon, Princeton, and Pekin, the family settled in Normal where Paul worked for the McLean County Service Company until his retirement in 1981. Sixteen years ago, Paul and Helen made a final move to Moline to be close to their family, including Joan and son-in-law Douglas Olson of Moline, grandchildren Christopher (Jennifer) Olson of East Moline, Elizabeth McKee of Davenport, Katherine Olson and Andrew Olson, both of Champaign, and great-grandchildren Corbin and Gwyn McKee.
In every community where Paul resided, he faithfully worshipped and served the church in various capacities: choir, Bible class, cleaning crew, trustee. In Moline he held membership at First Covenant Church.
Although friends and family will forever grieve his loss, they will always treasure memories of his creativity, ability to build and fix anything, devotion, support, wit, wisdom, love, strength, and comfort. And, all will chuckle in remembering his humorous stories and catchy phrases.
Visitation will be at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd. Moline, Monday, January 28, 2008, 4-7 PM. On Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at noon, funeral sevices will be at First Covenant Church, Moline. Burial will be in National Cemetery, Arsenal Island, with military honors conducted by Moline American Legion Post #246.
Memorials may be made to First Covenant Church. Online condolences may be expressed to Paul's family at www.esterdahlmortuary.com.
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