James "Paul" Lafary, 102, of Paxton died at 3:24 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2020, at Accolade of Paxton Senior Living.

Private services will be held. Burial will be in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Loda with military rites by the Loda American Legion Post 503. Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is handling arrangements.

A memorial service in Mr. Lafary's honor will be held at a later date.

Paul was born October 5, 1917 in Fulton County, Ellisville the son of Earl and Nellie Baughman Lafary. He married Alberta W. Whisman June 21, 1941 in Kohoka, Missouri. She preceded him in death April 21, 2017.

He is survived by one son, David Lafary of Paxton; a son-in-law, Marvin Bunde of Hillsboro, TN; three grandchildren, Matthew and Kevin Lafary and Lynetta Bunde; one brother, Ted Lafary of Jefferson City, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Danny Lafary; daughter, Ruth Ann Bunde; grandson, Matthew Bunde; two great grandsons; two sisters and one brother.

Paul attended a rural school in Fulton County and graduated from Ellisville High School. He served in the United States Army Air Corps. He was in a Mobile Teaching Unit at Chanute Air Force Base 1942-45 and retired from Civil Service in 1977. He and his family moved to Rantoul in 1955 and to Paxton in 1961.

He enjoyed gardening and polishing and sawing rocks.

Memorials may be made to his son, David Lafary. Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com .