Retired Army vet Colonel Donald Paul, of Palm Bay, is celebrated as he turns 105
Donald Paul sat on the couch in his small living room amazed by the dozen or so people who filed into his assisted-living unit Thursday morning.
“Wow,” the retired Army colonel said quietly.
The group assembled not only to honor the World War II veteran's commitment to his country, but also his 105th birthday Friday.
Someone asked Paul if those gathered could sing to him.
“Sure,” he softly said while pointing to himself as everyone sang. Birthday balloons sat to his right. Hanging from his neck was a pink beaded “Happy Birthday” necklace gifted to him from some “lady friends.”
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A Palm Bay resident since 1984, Paul now lives in Glenbrooke Senior Living Facility while receiving hospice care. His daughter Nancy Steffen, visiting from Houston, credits her dad’s 30-year career in the Army to his long life. He served in combat during World War II and the Korean War.
Steffen also attributed her dad’s longevity to an active lifestyle.
“His (late) wife got mad at him when he was 90 and he wanted to climb a ladder and she said ‘No, you’re too old you cannot get up the ladder,’” Steffen recalled. “Until recently he would walk the halls here, but he’s gotten a little weaker and needs some assistance.”
He drove until he was 99. That’s when Steffen and her sister suggested it was time he give up driving.
Paul suffers from congestive heart failure, which makes getting around difficult, but Steffen said her father is mentally still pretty sharp.
“He remembers things I don’t sometimes and he’s concerned about filing his taxes and paying his rent. He keeps up on all that,” she said.
Members of the Charles F. Thomas IV American Legion Post 117 were on hand for the celebration. Dana Jackson presented Paul with a commemorative pin. With his permission Jackson fastened it to Paul’s blue cardigan.
Harry Pitt gave the decorated vet a folded American flag, which he clutched to his chest while saying “thank you” after the men saluted each other.
He also was given a certificate and a patriot quilted blanket to “wrap you up when you are cold and hold you when you need comfort.”
Paul bowed his head and said “amen” when Woody Morrison, senior hospice chaplain for Health First concluded a prayer in the vet’s honor.
“These are the cream of the crop whether they’ve served two years or 30 years like Donald Paul,” Morrison said. “These are amazing individuals and when we come together to present their certificate, the American flag, the affirmation, the salute, it creates a space where the patient can remember and be affirmed for their service to our country, and that’s an amazing thing. It’s really a spiritual moment.”
The celebration was short but meaningful. The festivities were scheduled to continue over the weekend as more family members came to town.
“He always was a good provider and helped us and showed us the right way. We’re glad he’s been here but he’s ready to go,” Steffen said. “He says ‘I don’t know why I’m here’ and ‘I wish I would go,’ but he still has friends here. I keep telling him, people still love him. There’s a reason he’s still here.”
Spitzer can be reached at mspitzer@floridatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Retired Army vet Colonel Donald Paul, of Palm Bay, is celebrated as he turns 105
