Paul Wittevrongel JR.

Paul E. Wittevrongel, Jr., passed away Oct. 17, 2012, at the age of 86, due to dementia and pneumonia. Paul was born in Kewanee, Ill., on October 23, 1925, to Clara and Paul Wittevrongel, Sr. He is survived by his wife Bettie Wittevrongel of Durango, Colo., sisters Mary Begyn, of Moline, Ill., Joanne Ludwig of Ladson, S.C., brothers Charles Wittevrongel of Tucson, Ariz., and Donald Wittevrongel of Tallahassee, Fla., and many nephews and nieces, including Durango residents Kara Zeiter, Kelly Kniffin, and Krista Montgomery.

Two years ago he and his wife, Bettie, moved to Sunshine Gardens in Durango, where he could have assisted care and be near family.

Paul was a contract administrator for many years for Hughes Aircraft Company in Fullerton, Calif. He retired at age 58. Paul and his wife Bettie were married 50 years and lived a full and exciting life. They loved to travel, taking many cruises with family and friends. Paul's work involved traveling to many places in the U.S. and Europe. Paul was an active, long time member of the Leisure World Lions Club in Mesa, Ariz., where he and Bettie resided for 25 years. Paul was also an avid golfer. Fishing with his brothers and father was a very special time for him.

Paul was known by his family and friends to always greet them with a great joke and kept smiles on the faces of those around him. Paul will be missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Hospice of Mercy, 1 Mercado Street, Suite 270, Durango CO 81301. This organization proved to be a true Godsend to Paul and his family.