Paul E. Brauchle

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, Paul was raised by his mother and his loving adoptive father, John Brauchle. He led a life that defied the odds and deeply touched the hearts of all who knew him.

From a young age, Paul showed a zest for life. After undergoing a revolutionary open-heart surgery at Johns Hopkins at the tender age of four, doctors predicted he would be lucky to reach ten years old. Yet, Paul consistently surprised everyone, outliving every expectation, a testament to his indomitable spirit.

Paul loved knowledge and dedicated over 40 years to education. He knew a bit about everything and loved sharing his stories and experiences while asking 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 served as a professor of Industrial Technology at Bowling Green State University before obtaining tenure at Illinois State University, where he retired in 2007.

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 only communication from his father—a telegram sent upon news of his birth: “So proud and pleased to hear of your safe arrival. Take good care of your mother. I love her more than words can express.”

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

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 https://everloved.com/life-of/paul-brauchle/

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

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Paul E. Brauchle.