Mr. J. Wayne Paul, age 79, a longtime resident of Herkimer, passed away on Saturday evening, April 24, 2004 at the Valley Health Services in Herkimer. He was born on April 30, 1924, in Toleda, Iowa, son of the late Walter W. and Florence (Shugart) Paul and was educated in schools there. In 1942, following the invasion on Pearl Harbor, Mr. Paul enlisted to serve our country with the United States Navy. He served in the Atlantic, and participated in operations around the Philippine Islands, with units of the Third Fleet, during the occupation of Luzon. He later participated in the occupation of Iwo Jima with units of Task Force 51. He qualified as Shellback by crossing the equator on board USS O'Neill, and also served on Destroyer Escort. Wayne was an Advanced Diesel Operator, who also participated in the initial landings on Okinawa. He was the recipient of a Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and upon relief from active duty was awarded an honorable discharge and a Purple Heart. Following the war, Mr. Paul became aquainted with the Herkimer area, and on July 20, 1946 he was united in marriage with Caroline Fiala at St. Anthony's Church in Herkimer with Rev. Gustav Purificato officiating. The couple had shared a loving union of over 53 years until the passing of Caroline on November 21, 1999. Wayne had worked for over 37 years with Chicago Pneumatic in Utica, retiring as a Plant Superintendant. He was a member of the Michael S. Pliseck VFW Post in Herkimer, and was a true fan of the Herkimer County Community College Women's Basketball team. He also spent many pleasurable moments at the fitness center of the college where he enjoyed to work out there. One of Wayne's truest passions was refereeing, as he spent over 30 enjoyable years as a certified High School Football official. Mr. Paul was an avid golfer and fisherman. He is survived by his children: two sons: Jerald W. Paul of Bloomingburgh, NY and Thomas W. Paul of Berne, NY; a daughter: Barbara Jo Bouck and husband Michael of Littleton, CO; a sister: Peg Booth and husband Richard of Palm Desert, CA; a daughter in law: Colleen Paul of Herkimer; grandchildren: Jonathan, Daniel, and Timothy Paul; Matthew, Christopher, and Elizabeth Paul; Douglas & Michaela Bouck, an aunt: Josephine Terico of Herkimer; In Laws: Stella Fiala; H. James Morgan, and Josephine Morgan; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday April 27, 2004 at 10:00 AM at the Holleran - Enea Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street Herkimer. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, with military honors offered by the US Navy. Calling hours at the funeral home will be on Monday (This evening) from 4 - 7 PM. The Herkimer VFW Post Members are asked to gather at the funeral home Monday evening at 6:00 PM. For directions to the Funeral Home, click the link above.