Richard Norman Paul Jr.

Richard Norman Paul Jr. of Greenfield, Indiana passed away Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, surrounded by his family.

The Lord blessed Richard and Margaret Paul with Rich, a son, Oct. 30, 1951. Rich grew up in a bustling household with four sisters and three brothers. His family belonged to St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Indianapolis, and he attended the parish school through eighth grade. Frequently, he volunteered at St. Lawrence as an altar server for daily and weekend masses. Rich’s parents and brother John Paul preceded him in death. His surviving siblings include Mary Roberts, Barbara Critchfield, Kathy Paul, Michael Paul, William Paul and Patricia Burton.

Rich graduated from Arlington High School in 1969 and studied at Vincennes and Ball State universities.

In 1969, while at VU, Rich met the love of his life, Mary Jane (Janie) Harrison at a basketball tournament. While dating, they discovered that they shared the same birth date and birth year. Rich and Janie married Feb. 24, 1973, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Vincennes, Indiana. During their marriage of nearly 51 years, Rich and Janie welcomed five children and committed wholeheartedly to keep their Christian faith and family at the center of their lives. Rich and Janie attended Holy Spirit Catholic Church at Geist in Fishers, Indiana.

Rich loved his family and encouraged his children and grandchildren to pursue their passions. He and Janie frequently attended the many sporting events, theater performances and dance competitions in which family members participated. With his quiet presence and intentionality, Rich celebrated their accomplishments – great and small – and in challenging times offered unwavering support and wisdom.

Rich’s friends can attest that he could not have been more loyal. His closest friends, some of whom attended first grade with him, treasured the kindness and continual dedication that he brought to relationships. For 45 years, he golfed every Monday in the St. Lawrence golf league. Rich also served as an active member and chapter president of the National Exchange Club, America’s oldest service organization.

Professionally, Rich worked for 50 years in the steel building and supply industry. He served as president of Richard N. Paul & Sons Inc., a family business established by his father. He also owned CiA Buildings & Supply and co-owned Paul Harvey Rolling Mills. Rich helped to advance the steel building and supply industry as president and treasurer of the Indiana chapter of the National Frame Building Association. In 2002, he also was inducted into the NFBA Rural Builder Hall of Fame.

An Indianapolis native, Rich truly enjoyed the racing history and traditions of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Attending INDYCAR qualifications and the occasional race often became a family affair, complete with a fried chicken picnic. Rich also collected classic cars and was the proud owner of a 1965 Pontiac GTO and 1967 Jaguar E Type.

Rich is survived by his wife Janie Paul, their five children and spouses and 12 grandchildren. They include Aaron (Amy) Paul of Greenfield, Indiana; Richie (Erin) Paul of Fishers, Indiana; Justin (Johanna) Paul of Chicago, Illinois; Andrea (Corey) Stutsman of Bristol, Indiana; and Stephanie Paul-Tiberio (Tom Tiberio) of Newark, Ohio. He also is survived by his grandchildren Sean Paul, Sam Paul, Sarah Paul, Ava Paul, Addison Paul, Preston Paul, Chandler Paul, Will Stutsman, Quinn Stutsman, Nicholas Stutsman, James Tiberio and Lucy Tiberio.

Visitation with the Paul family will take place Feb. 23, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at Geist, 10350 Glaser Way, Fishers, Indiana, 46037. At 12 p.m. a Mass of Christian Burial will commence, also at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. A luncheon at the church will follow. Thereafter, friends and family are invited to attend an inurnment at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery, 6805 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Anderson, IN 46013.