Paul Wages

Paul is survived by his daughter, Paula (Mike) Rhea, of Aberdeen; sons, James (Yvette) Wages of Aberdeen, and William (Anita) Wages of Belen, NM. He was blessed with a total of 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Paul influenced a lot of lives during his time on this earth. If you knew him, you were blessed and considered a friend. You probably got a nickname if you were around him regularly. Paul took care of thing’s, he was a planner and a bit of a worrier…he wanted to know what you needed and what he could do to help you.

Paul instilled an excellent work ethic in his children, he pushed for you to be transparent with your boss or better yet work hard enough to be the boss so you could advocate for the little man. He had a 46-year career with the Santa Fe Railroad. If you worked with him, he made sure you knew all he did. He developed leaders and teams to get things done. His time on the RR took he and the family across the country and they lived in multiple cities in Arizona, California, Texas, and New Mexico.

He would say besides the good living the RR provided he and his family it gave him the opportunity to play golf at some of the world’s best course! He was an avid golfer and one year shortly after his retirement he and his youngest son played over 320 days! That’s also the same year he took Della to Europe because he played golf so much…a small price he said, and yes, he took his clubs with him on the trip!

If he wasn’t golfing, he was watching it or any other live sports event he could. That’s how he remembered his children’s birthdays, one was an Olympic gold medal win for Wilma Rudolph, one an Ole Miss win, and the other 2 great basketball games with high scores for the both the Warriors & Celtics!

He had a very close bond with is younger brother, Jerry and they spoke daily or more. They would talk sports and tell stories of their past adventures. They got together every chance they could and there was always laughter.

Paul opened his home to anyone who needed it. He hosted friends from his hometown looking for a new start, nieces, nephews, sister-in laws, and several friends of his children who needed a solid safe place to be for a while.

His passing leaves a spot unable to be filled by someone on this earth. We take comfort in his knowing he was saved and going to heaven. We pray that all reading this also know that same peace. 

A Memorial Service will be held ay 11 AM on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at Tisdale Lann Memorial Funeral Home in Aberdeen.  Visitation will be be from 10 AM until the service hour at 11 AM.

Condolences may shared at tisdalelannmemorialfuneralhome.com.