Paul Leroy Cella was born May 27, 1938 in Independence, Missouri and departed this life on September 21, 2021 at Centerpoint Medical Center, Independence, Missouri, surrounded by the love of his family, at the age of 83 years, 3 months and 25 days.
He was the son of Albert and Freda (Cox) Cella.
Paul spent his younger years in Raytown, Missouri, graduating from Raytown High School in 1956. After graduation, Paul proudly served his country in the United States Navy. After his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Raytown, Missouri.
On June 12, 1971, Paul was united in marriage with Grace Lea Richardson in Lee’s Summit, Missouri and they made their home in Lee’s Summit.
Paul was an inspector at the General Motors Leeds Assembly Plant, retiring in 1988 with 30 years of service, and a member of U.A.W. Local #249. After his retirement, Paul and Grace sold their home and traveled extensively throughout the United States in their motor home. After several years of traveling, they returned to Blue Springs, Missouri to make their home.
When his children were younger, Paul served as a Boy Scout Camp counselor for several years. Paul loved riding his motorcycle with family and friends, he also enjoyed NASCAR, golf and playing video poker.
Paul was a dedicated husband who lovingly cared for his wife, Grace, and always was concerned about her wellbeing. He loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and enjoyed spending time with them, especially during the holidays.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Freda Cella; stepson, Russell Lee Barker and two grandsons, Ryan Gifford and Dylan Hedgepath.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Grace L. Cella of the home; son, Paul Joseph Cella and wife Rhonda of Adrian, Missouri; stepsons; Paul Alan Barker and wife Vanessa of Independence, Missouri, Larry Dale Barker and husband Doug of Kansas City, Missouri, and Robert Joseph Thibault, II of Blue Springs, Missouri; daughter, Heather Ann Lammers and husband Byron of Independence, Missouri; stepdaughter, Carla Sue Barker of Urbana, Missouri; brother, Albert Earl Cella and wife Hattie of Kansas City, Missouri; ten grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren; one niece, one nephew, his canine companion, Bella, other relatives and friends.
Graveside Service and Interment for Paul Leroy Cella will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, September 27, 2021 at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Vocalist will be Emelita Grace Barker. Military Honors will be presented by the United States Navy and V.F.W. Post #3118 Honor Guard of Pleasant Hill, Missouri.
3 Messages
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Paul Leroy Cella, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Navy Veteran, Paul Leroy Cella, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
You will be fondly remembered by many — among which will be your classmates from the Class of 1956 at Raytown High. Like myself you served honorably in the US Navy and we value that service. May the Cella family be comforted during their periods of grief.
Paul was a growing up together pal and he was one of the sweetest people to walk the earth. RIP, dear Paul.
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