Paul O'Dell Frey

Paul O’Dell Frey of Saint James passed away at his daughters’ home on Wednesday morning March 10th, 2021 at Saint James, Missouri he was 80 years of age.

Paul was born October 13th 1940 in Saint James, Missouri the son of the late Clifford Perry Frey and Beulah Crumb Frey.

He was united in marriage to High School sweetheart, Helen E Jenkins on May 28, 1960. Helen entered into rest on December 17th, 1998. Paul then went on to marry longtime friend Cora Ann Parsons on October 22, 2005. Paul and Cora enjoyed many church functions, their trips to Branson and attending Rolla First Assembly of God Church. Paul and Cora were inseparable until her passing.

Paul Frey is survived by two sons: Douglas O’Dell Frey of Rolla, Missouri and Phillip Frey of St James, Missouri; two daughters: Patricia Holt and husband Don Holt Jr. of Saint James, Missouri and Paulette Craft and husband Tim of Rolla, Missouri. He is further survived by one brother Clifton Frey and his wife Diane of Saint James, Missouri, along with 6 grandchildren: Sara Frey Bayless and husband Gabriel, Jara Johnson, Olivia Craft Cohen and husband Josh, and Tyler Craft and wife Lauren, Marlaina Wallace and husband Jeff and Trey Holt.  Paul had 5 great grandchildren. Maxwell Cohen, Nolan Hadley and siblings Ephraim and Miss Gwendolyn Bayless and one great grand daughter Miss Addie Holt.

He is preceded in death by his parents Beulah and Clifford Frey, wives Helen Frey and Cora Frey, one brother, Melvin Frey and one sister Jean Dahlgren and grandchild, Jara Johnson.

Paul was a quiet and very meek person. He grew up in St. James, graduating from John F. Hodge High School in 1958. At the age of 12, Paul accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and continue to worship and in service to the Lord until his death. He then went to work at Page Factory earning enough to take a bride. He soon married. Paul filled in for Helen’s grandpa Jenkins on a milk route for extra money on the weekends. One of the regular stops on the milk route was the very home where he passed away. Paul then went on to work at the local phone company where he retired after 36 years. Paul gathered his children and took them to church Sunday morning, Sunday night, Friday night, and sometimes on Tuesday. The family attended church and often ended up at Pryor’s Fresh Pizza afterward or could be found at Paul’s home with a group of church folks to continue worshipping through singing and playing instruments. Paul was a great example before his children serving in the church. Paul would stop by the church most days to keep a fire burning in the warm morning stove. He helped to cut the firewood to warm the church. He helped friends and family with building projects, served at church picnics, lead praise & worship, served as deacon, as well as the Sunday School Superintendent, Paul taught an adult Sunday School class for most of his adult life. He was very knowledgeable about the Bible. Paul and his wife Helen enjoyed singing together. One of their favorites was, “Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now,” by the Happy Goodman’s. Helen was asked by the Goodman family to travel with their band and sing at the age of 12. Her father would not let her leave home to travel with them so her dream of singing turned into a dream of marriage and children. Paul was an avid reader, he was never without a book.  Paul spent many a night reading Bible stories to his children before putting them to bed. Paul enjoyed playing table tennis with his children when they were all at home, enjoyed gathering at a table with family working on puzzles in his later years. Paul and brother Melvin were avid Cardinal fans. Paul was well known to many St. James people but never pushed himself on anyone. He remained quiet and served where he could. He laid up for himself a good foundation against the time to come that he may lay hold on eternal life. Paul will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A kind soul, a heart for his Savior, a son, brother, father, and friend, a man of integrity was he.

Paul Frey will lie in state from 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2021, at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.

Funeral Service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday March 13, 2021 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James with Gary Bartle, officiating. Burial will be in the Wishon Cemetery in St. James, Missouri. Pallbearers will be: Phillip Frey, Tim Craft, Tyler Craft, Josh Cohan, Jeff Wallace, Don Holt with Honorary being Doug Frey, Trey Holt and Gabriel Bayless. One of Paul’s, favorite songs Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now, will be played for the funeral. Memorial may be given to The Mission of Rolla, Missouri. Cards are available at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.

Cards of condolences may be entered at www.jonesfunerals.com

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.

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