Paul David Girt
April 16, 1924- September 30, 2018
Paul David Girt was promoted to Glory on September 30, 2018 surrounded by his family. Paul was born on April 16, 1924 in Anderson to Issac and Jenny Girt.
Paul began his career at Guide Lamp in 1943 until he was drafted in the Navy during WW II at which time he was assigned to the destroyer escort, USS England. It was during his 2 1/2 years of service that his missions included sinking 7 enemy subs in 12 days and successfully shooting down and destroying suicide bombers. While making his final voyage back to the states his ship encountered one more enemy vessel that ended up blowing off the front of his ship and injuring and killing many sailors. After the Navy, Paul returned to Guide Lamp and retired after 41 1/2 years.
Paul was a member of the Wesley Free Methodist Church of Anderson where he served as Trustee for many years as well as serving on the Jailhouse Ministry . He was an active member of Gideon's International and could always be found with a new testament in his pocket ready to share God's word with those in need. He will always be remembered as a very caring and giving man.
Paul was very passionate about his yard and could always be found pampering his petunias. He will be remembered by his kids and grandkids for the many fishing trips as well as rocking and singing to his grandkids. He is preceded in death by his parents along with 7 sisters and 4 brothers, the mother of his children, Margaret Huffman Girt and a very special and close friend, Bill Joyce.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Nancy Girt; children; Dan (Kim) Girt of Anderson, Janet (Harry) Bailey of Hartford City, David Girt of Anderson and Tony (Mindy) Girt of Anderson; along with his bonus children, Dixie (Ken) Sanders of Merced, CA, Mindy (Dan) Walton of Owasso, OK, and Jackie Whittaker of Anderson. He did not see himself as the stepfather but as the father that stepped up. He is also survived by Brother Joe (Rose) Girt of North Vernon as well as 18 grandkids and 33 great grandkids, and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Rachel from Heartland Hospice for her dedication and compassionate care and to all those who were faithful prayer warriors during the past few weeks.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 5, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Wesley Free Methodist Church officiated by Pastors Blake Chenoweth and John Lane. Burial will follow at Saunders Cemetery in Daleville. Military rites will be provided by the American Legion Post 510. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2018 from 2-6 PM at Rozelle- Johnson Funeral Service and also one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Friday.
Memorial contributions may be given to Gideon's International or Heartland Hospice
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.