William Paul Stringfield August 20, 1922 - February 27, 2014
Paul Stringfield, 91, passed peacefully from this life on February 27, 2014. Paul was bom August 20, 1922 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, to William and Fannie (Hanks) Stringfield. He attended school in Tulsa, graduating from Central High School in 1939. In 1943 Paul joined the Army Air Force, based in central France, serving as a tail gunner and radio operator aboard B-26 aircraft. Though proud to serve his country, in later years Paul preferred to recall his experiences meeting French civilians who warmly welcomed the American forces. Paul befriended a group of teenagers in Dijon, France as they celebrated liberation from their Nazi occupiers. In 1997, Paul returned to Dijon for the first time since 1945 for an unforgettable reunion with two of his former French friends. Paul attended the University of Tulsa and began a career in manufacturing, primarily as a Purchasing Agent for several area companies, including Vickers (Sperry Rand), Braden Industries and Ramsey Winch. In 1975, Paul joined long­time friend William Mocha at Air Power Systems Company as Purchasing Agent. Paul retired from APSCO as Vice President in 1999. Paul married Lennie Stanley in 1951 in Tulsa. They welcomed a son in 1954 and a daughter in 1961. A life-long athlete, Paul played nearly every sport while growing up in Tulsa, but tennis remained his passion until he could no longer play following hip surgery at the age of 85. Paul was an active member of Southminster Presbyterian Church for nearly 60 years and cherished his church family. After retiring, he and Lennie enjoyed traveling to visit their children and grandchildren in California, Washington, D.C. and Belgium. Paul will be remembered for his quick wit, wide smile and positive outlook. He loved all sports, New Yorker cartoons, animals, ice cream and anything chocolate! Paul was preceded in death by his parents, sister Florence Messier, brother Robert Stringfield, and by his wife of 59 years, Lennie. He is survived by son, Stephen (Kristin) of Richmond, CA and daughter, Sally LoVoi of Tulsa, six beloved grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Paul's family wishes to thank the staff of Saint Simeon's Episcopal Home for their dedication and loving care of Paul over the past four years. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 3500 S. Peoria in Tulsa. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Paul's memory to Saint Simeon's Foundation or Southminster Presbyterian Church. Moore Rosewood Chapel.