Paul E. Mcfarland, Jr.

Paul Elwin McFarland Jr., 74 of Van Meter, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, October 6, 2019 at his home in Van Meter. A visitation will be held October 9, 2019 from 6-8pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – McCalley Chapel in Adel. Funeral services will be held 12:30pm on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at the funeral home with burial following at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, north of Van Meter. Paul Elwin McFarland Jr. was born at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, IA on August 5, 1945 to Paul Sr. and Mabel McFarland. Paul was raised in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. He attended Woodrow Wilson and Tech High School. Paul proudly joined the Army in March of 1964 and was honorably discharged in February of 1967. On January 31, 1968 Paul married Donna Bremer in Kirksville, Missouri. They started their marriage with an iron skillet, 2 plates, 2 forks and a roll of necessary paper. Three children showed up in Paul and Donna’s lives the next few years; Teri McFarland (Stacey Alger), Tammy (Matthew) Van Pelt and Johnny (Jessica) McFarland. Later on in their lives, eight grandchildren were born who would warm his heart and make Paul’s day: Haylie McFarland, Hannah Mason, Kjirsten, Keslie, Allen and Dalten Van Pelt, Kane and Presley McFarland. All of which will carry on Paul’s life and his legacy. Paul’s first great grandchild will be delivered in December. Over a span of 50 some years Paul sold auto parts, owned and operated a service station and retired from truck driving in 2011. He loved music and was the lead singer and guitar player of Paul and The Soundmasters. They played every weekend for many years. He also enjoyed racing stock cars at the Vandalia Track until one day he flipped his car and Donna said, “No more!” Paul loved everyone he met and loved making them laugh even more. He left us with many wonderful memories and a hole in our hearts. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online contributions may be left at www.caldwellparrish.com