Paul Lemuel Small

Paul Lemuel Small
July 31, 1929 - February 7, 2011
Paul was born in Philomath, Oregon to Paul H. and Mary Allen Small in their home. Paul attended grade school in Corvallis and Lebanon, Oregon.
Because of World War II, his family moved many times trying to support the family of 5 members, including a brother Kenneth Small and a sister Jean Small. Paul went to Jr. High School in Los Angeles and Fresno, California. The family finally ended up settling in Salem, Oregon. Paul started high school, but soon decided it wasn't for him. He then joined the U.S. Army for three years. These years were all spent in Korea and Honolulu, Hawaii.
After settling in Salem, Paul soon found his sweetheart Joan Stark. They were married on March 31, 1951. Together they had two daughters, Sharon and Nancy Small.
Paul got a job at Elfstrom's Company with his father-in-law who was already employed there. Paul served his internship there gaining the knowledge to eventually run his own business. After his training, Paul and Joan and Joan's parents Bud and Dorothea Stark opened ABC Floor Coverings. It was a very impressive store which served the people of Salem and the surrounding area for many years. After a tragic accident, Joan died on October 2, 1996. With Joan gone and the Starks retired, the business was sold. Paul later married Ellen Yung, a friend of Joan in August of 1997. Paul is survived by his loving wife, Ellen Small, daughter Nancy Topper, sister Jean Small Klassen-Glaser, brother-in-law Hank Sunderland, sister-in-law Annetta Small, 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Paul was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan Small, daughter Sharon Cherry, son-in-law Troy Topper, parents Paul Small and Mary Small, brother Kenneth Small, and brother-in-law Bill Glaser.
A Graveside committal service will be held on Friday at 2:00 P.M at Restlawn Memory Gardens and a Memorial Service will be held on Sunday February 13, at 2:00 at Restlawn Funeral Home, 201 Oak Grove Rd. NW, Salem, OR.