Paul Joseph Andert

Paul Joseph Andert, 97, stepped into eternal glory with our Lord, Paul's Savior, on June 6, 2020 -- on the 76th anniversary of D-Day. He was born January 2,1923 in St. Louis, Missouri to Charles Joseph and Marie Gergaud Andert. Paul's mother, a French WWI war bride, was new to this country and spoke little English. They had four boys. When Paul's father was diagnosed with what was then called "shell shock" from the war, the Catholic Church helped the struggling mom with the small children. Younger brothers Pierre (Andy) and Joseph (Joe) were raised by their mom at home. The older boys, Paul and his older brother Charles (Charlie), were raised in St. Joseph Boys Home.Their mother and grandfather visited every week for the two hours they were allowed. Growing up Paul always wanted to be a soldier. At the age of 17, he lied about his age and joined the army on May 23, 1940. Paul served as Platoon Sergeant in the 41st Armored Infantry, Company "B." He served in Africa, Sicily and Europe participating in seven campaigns and three invasions. He was wounded twice. He received the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts and other decorations including the French Legion of Honor in 2013. When the war in Europe ended in May 1945, Paul elected to go home on points and by June 13 he was back in St. Louis. In October 1945, Dynamite Dean a fellow soldier from his unit, introduced Paul to the love of his life and soulmate, Gurney Mulvaney. They married July 3, 1946 and raised a family. Adjustment to life after the war was not easy, but Gurney was steadfast and supportive. After the war Paul worked various jobs at the War Department, trained troops for Korea at Camp Chaffee Arkansas, and worked at Veterans Hospitals in Tucson, Arizona and San Diego, California. When he decided to move to Florida in late 1950's he found work with Lindsay Lumber company beginning his long career in merchandising and management with lumber stores all over the country. The family traveled with him in their motor home taking their dogs, cats and even turtle along. Paul eventually settled and stayed in Tulsa Oklahoma, retiring in 1992 at the age of 69. Paul and a friend started the WWII Veterans of Tulsa group in 1998, with the purpose of veterans bonding together to share their experiences with school children and others. Over the years, he shared stories and lessons with thousands of youth and adults. In the year 2000, at the age of 77, Paul self published his first book, Unless You Have Been There. Paul describes his five years in the army, from training camp through Africa, Sicily, D-Day Invasion, Northern France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, and the Battle of the Bulge. He then went on to write 9 additional books. In 2008, Paul was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame. In 2013, Paul and three other WWII veterans were flown to Hollywood to meet as advisors to the directors and actors for the movie FURY. Paul's passion was to educate about his WWII experience as well as teach overall principles important in life. He particularly appreciated the opportunity to present his story and answer questions from students elementary age through college. He continued with both local school visits and online conference calls with French and German students, even at the age of 97. To learn more about the impact Paul had on so many throughout his life, you can find his books and interviews by visiting website: PaulJAndert.com. Paul is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years Gurney Mulvaney Andert (2011), son Paul Joseph Andert Jr. (1989), stepdaughter Ruth Ann (Jean) Groshon (2008), and his three brothers. Paul is survived by his stepdaughter Glenna Gail (KS), grandchildren Jack (FL), Beth (FL), and Sterling Riddle (MD), six great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many close friends. In lieu of flowers, Paul requests everyone "Love the Lord, SMILE, find a need, CARE about it, and pay it forward." Viewing will be Friday, June 12 from 12:00 - 8:00 pm with family greeting friends from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Moore's Southlawn. Graveside service will be Saturday, June 13, 10:00 am at Memorial Park Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 am at Moore's Southlawn Chapel 9350 E 51st St, Tulsa OK 74145. A live stream video recording of the Celebration of Life will be available at www.moorefuneral.com for those wishing to participate, but unable to join us in person. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233

Paul Joseph Andert

January 2, 1923 - June 6, 2020