Paul Edward Haggard, 85, of Fayette, passed away peacefully at University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics on March 20, 2024. Paul’s joyful, kind, and loving presence will be deeply missed.

Paul was born on July 27, 1938, on his grandparents’ farm, Henry and Susie Davis, on rural Hwy. 124 in Fayette. He was the devoted son of Walter Martin Haggard and Lida Davis Haggard. Paul was the youngest of four children. He was preceded in death by his brother, Henry Davis Haggard, and his two sisters, Sue Haggard Sears and Joann Haggard Taylor.

He began his early schooling in Harrisburg, where his mother drove the bus and taught all grades in a one-room schoolhouse. He later moved to Fayette with his family, where he graduated from high school in 1956. Following high school, he joined the US Air Force and was stationed in Amarillo, Tex., where he was a mechanic. 

After returning to Fayette, Paul married Mildred Elizabeth (Milly) Byers on June 16, 1962, in Madison, Mo. They enjoyed nearly 62 years of marriage together. In addition to Milly, Paul is survived by their two children: Eddie (Laura) Haggard of Bear, Del., and Paula (Randy) Just of Satellite Beach, Fla; three grandchildren: Katelyn (Alex) Hunter of Kansas City, Mo.; Kristen (Kyle) Haderle of Melbourne, Fla.; and Ryan Just of Satellite Beach, Fla.; and four great-grandchildren: Charlotte Beth, Joshua Paul, and Bennett Alexander Hunter, and Kolton Marshall Haderle. Paul also delighted in his beloved nieces and nephews.

Paul worked at the University of Missouri Power Plant for 32 years, retiring in 2000. He began as a crane operator and worked in many different roles, ending his career there as the Assistant Superintendent. He enjoyed learning the operations of the plant and the friendships of his colleagues.

Paul was dedicated to his family. He loved being a husband, father, grandfather, and, most recently, a great-grandfather. Some of his favorite people called him Papa. He had a happy nature and deeply cared about the people in his life. In his genuine and caring way, he always made those around him feel special. He looked forward to seeing his extended family and friends each year at the Haggard Family Fish Fry and Fireworks, which they hosted on the family’s farm for more than 25 years.

Paul was an active member of Moniteau Chapel and loved his church community. He served the church in many ways, from mowing the church lawn for many years to being Treasurer.

He was an avid Mizzou Tiger basketball fan. He enjoyed cheering the team and sharing his popcorn at both men’s and women’s games with Milly and his sister Joann. In his later years, he cherished his time on the farm, watching and feeding the birds, tinkering with and riding his Farmall B tractor, and admiring nature through the season changes.

A visitation will be held Friday, April 19, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service in Fayette. A Celebration of Life will occur on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Moniteau Chapel, 2714 State Route W Fayette, MO 65248. Luncheon at the chapel to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Paul’s name may be made to Moniteau Chapel.