Paul Bartholomew
WILTON -- Paul Bartholomew Sr., 89, Wilton, died peacefully at his home April 19, 2005, surrounded by his loved ones. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 23, at First Presbyterian Church, Wilton, with the Rev. Paul Schauer officiating. Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery, Wilton, with military rites provided by Wilton American Legion Lois Ousley Post No. 163.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday at the church, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.
Paul Leslie Bartholomew Sr. was born Feb. 29, 1916, at the Grey Nuns Hospital, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, to Pvt. Roy and Annie Whitman. In October 1916, he was adopted by Birdsell and Bertha Bartholomew, Wilton. Paul's adoptive parents, the Bartholomews, operated a dairy business in Wilton and Mr. "Bart" was employed as an electrician at the local Washburn Coal Company. Paul attended school in Wilton and graduated from Wilton High School. He spent two years in the Civilian Conservation Corp., after which he worked three years at the Wilton Farmers Elevator Co. Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and proudly served in the Southwest Pacific area for 36 months. Following his discharge, he returned home and worked again at the Wilton Farmers Elevator. On Memorial Day, May 30, 1946, he was united in marriage to Frances Hanwell of Wilton. They were married by Rev. Stewart at the First Presbyterian Church, Mandan. The couple made their home in Wilton, in the house he was raised in. In 1949, he ventured into the bar business with Reuben Pearson. In 1951, Paul accepted a position with Superior Elevator Co. as a salesman/serviceman. He started working at the North Dakota Highway Department in 1961, as an Administrative Assistant. He retired from the Highway Dept. in 1978. During this period of his life, Paul served on the Wilton City Commission for 12 years and served 10 years as Mayor of Wilton. Paul was very active within the community, serving as a Boy Scout Master, manager of the Wilton Independent Baseball team, president of the McLean County Independent Baseball League, manager of the Wilton Independent Basketball team, and President of the Wilton PTA Board. He also served as the McLean County Zoning Commissioner, the Central Region American Legion Commander, the Louis Ousley Post No. 163 Commander, Adjutant Service Officer, and chairman of the Democratic Get Out and Vote committee. Paul loved the community of Wilton and always strived to make it a better place to live. He was blessed with many friends and everyone appreciated his wonderful sense of humor. He loved his family dearly and was faithful in sending birthday cards or making phone calls on everyone's birthday. He enjoyed golfing and attending any Wilton sports event. Paul was seen at almost every home game until only a few months ago. He was especially proud of the Wilton American Legion Baseball team. Paul's memory will live on in the hearts and minds of many people.
He is survived by two sons and one daughter-in-law, Birdsell "Bart" Bartholomew, Malin, Ore., and Doris Parcos (mother of Jennifer and Ryan), and Paul Jr. and Cindy Bartholomew, Wilton; one daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Pat Bernhardt, Wilton; four grandchildren: Jennifer, Ryan, Preston, and Shawna; two great-grandchildren, Baillee and Bronc; two sisters-in-law, Augusta Pearson, Fargo, and Delores Hanwell, Wilton; 12 nieces and nephews; 17 great nieces and nephews, and 14 great-great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Frances. (Goetz Funeral Home, Washburn)
1916 - 2005 (89 years)