Paul E. Brauchle, age 80, of Biloxi, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at home on July 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born to Margaret Blanche Foster Ehmann Brauchle and Paul Jones Ehmann, and raised by his mother along with his loving adoptive father, John Brauchle. Paul led a life that defied the odds and deeply touched the hearts of all who knew him.

From a young age, Paul showed incredible resilience. After undergoing a revolutionary new open-heart surgery at Johns Hopkins at the tender age of four, doctors predicted he might not live past ten years of age. Yet Paul consistently surprised everyone, outliving every prediction time and again, a testament to his indomitable spirit.

Paul loved knowledge and worked in education for 40+ years. He knew a bit about everything and loved to share his stories and experiences and to ask thought-provoking questions, earning him the nickname “Professor Paul” to many. He earned his BS and MS from the University of Southern Mississippi and achieved his PhD from the University of Missouri, Columbia. He taught at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC), and as a professor of Industrial Technology, he taught at Bowling Green State University before obtaining tenure at Illinois State University where he retired in 2007. Known for his wit and humor, he proudly wore a T-shirt in his last days proclaiming he became a professor “for the fame and money”, endearing him to students and colleagues alike.

Paul's passion for history, especially World War II, was profoundly personal. His birth father, Paul J, Ehmann, a B-17 navigator during WWII, died in service in 1944. Although the two never met, Paul cherished the telegram his father sent him upon receiving news of his birth: “So pleased to hear of your safe arrival. Take care of your mother. I love her more than words can say.”

Paul was predeceased by his parents Margaret and John Brauchle, the mother of his children Betty DeMoville Brauchle, and his second wife Marguerite Boyd, and step-son Brian Croxdale. He is survived by his beloved daughters, Elizabeth Bella (Mike) of Columbus and Helen McCarthy (Mike) of San Diego, and 4 grandchildren: Emily Rhodes, Ayla Bella, Ian McCarthy and Ella McCarthy. He also leaves behind his cherished siblings: Lynn (nee Brauchle) Marslender of Hattiesburg, Steve Brauchle and John Brauchle of Biloxi, and Tina (nee Brauchle) Wettermark of Fairhope. Paul's legacy lives on through his four adored grandchildren.

A service to honor Paul’s remarkable life will be held at Bradford O'Keefe Chapel, 675 Howard Avenue, on Saturday, November 9, at 2 p.m., with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Paul E. Brauchle Scholarship Fund.

Paul E. Brauchle lived a life full of love, laughter, and defiance of expectations. He will be deeply missed and remembered with love.

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