Paul John Ellmer passed this life at the age of 83 on July 13, 2014. He was a longtime resident of Ocean Springs. Paul was born on December 27, 1930, and reared in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the youngest son of Austro-Hungarian immigrants, Peter and Catherine Ellmer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Elizabeth, and his brothers Frank, Martin, Joseph and Albert, and in-laws Albert and Evelyn Mallard. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia Mallard Ellmer, son Albert, daughter Evelyn Snow (Thomas), grandchildren Paul Snow, Benjamin Snow and Hannah Snow, all of Houston, Texas, and daughter Elizabeth (Beth) Ellmer of Metairie, Louisiana.
Paul enlisted in the USAF on February 21, 1952, as a Private and retired on April 30, 1972, in the rank of Lt. Colonel. During his 20-year career he served 3 tours at Keesler AFB as a student and electronics instructor and a tour as a Communications Electronics Officer in remote Alaska. After earning a bachelors degree (Oklahoma State University) and a masters degree (USAF Institute of Technology) in Electrical Engineering he served as a Guidance and Control Project Officer in the Gemini Space Program at the USAF Space System Division in California and R&D Research Officer in the Titan III Launch Vehicle Program at Cape Kennedy AFS in Florida.
Upon retirement he pursued graduate studies in secondary education at the University of Southern Mississippi and taught mathematics for 5 years at Notre Dame High School in Biloxi. He then was employed by Litton Data Systems as a Project Engineer in Integrated Logistics Support. Paul was a Registered Professional Engineer and a member of the American Legion and MOAA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 1:00 pm. Friends may visit from 11:00 am until mass time. A recitation of the Rosary will precede the mass. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery.
The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.