Edgar E. Paulson

Edgar Paulson, 98, of Oskaloosa, passed away, Monday, August 4, 2025, at the Oskaloosa Care Center. Edgar Eugene Paulson, son of Edgar Gerald and Grace Esther (Gardner) Paulson, was born July 15, 1927, in Elkhart, Indiana. Edgar was a 1945 graduate of Bristol High School. That same year, he enlisted in the United States Navy on November 21, 1945. He was stationed at the Naval Training Station in Sampson, New York, and served as an Electrician's Mate Third Class on the USS ATR 30, a rescue tug, and the USS Tarawa-CB40, the largest aircraft carrier in existence at the time, the admiral ship for the 7th fleet. He served until November 17, 1947, and then returned to Indiana. Edgar married his high school sweetheart, Beverly (Thelma) Carmien, on November 20, 1949. The couple made their home in Bristol, Indiana, while he worked as a highline journeyman. In 1952, they moved to West Lafayette, Indiana, where Edgar attended Purdue University, studying electrical engineering. Following his graduation in 1955, he was hired by Bendix Corporation in Mishawaka, Indiana. While employed there, he was involved in the development of missiles that were capable of carrying atomic warheads. He remained with Bendix until 1965, when he was hired by Rockwell International in Allegan, Michigan, as plant engineer and environmental manager. In 1974, the family moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa, where Edgar was employed by Chamberlain Manufacturing in Albia as plant engineer and environmental manager. His last engineering position was with Superior Ideal in Oskaloosa in 1984. He remained with the plant until it closed. Edgar was a member of the Purdue University Alumni, Central United Methodist Church, Shriners International, and was recently recognized as a Mason for 75 years. He was also a member of the American Ordinance Association (a secret organization of top-secret fusing device builders), Toastmasters, and Elks Lodge. In his spare time, he enjoyed stamp collecting. Edgar was well known for passing out Hershey chocolate kisses and pouring coffee to old and new friends at Oskaloosa's Hardees and McDonald's. He would greet many with a few words, a smile, and a "kiss". His family includes a daughter and son-in-law, Jeannene and Bruce Veenstra of Oskaloosa; two sons: Eric Paulson of Sparks, Nevada and Edgar Steven Paulson of Oskaloosa; seven grandchildren: Thomas Paulson, Kyle (Jacey) Veenstra, Kelly (Chris) Pierson, Jackie (Jake) Michel, Ethan, Abigail, and Maggie Paulson; ten great-grandchildren: Tegan, Bexley, Everly and Kyper Pierson, and Katelyn, Kinzey, Kennedy and Jayden Veenstra, and Beau and Clay Michel. In addition to his parents, Edgar was preceded in death by his wife, (Thelma) Beverly Paulson; three brothers: Norman, Richard, and Johnny Paulson; two sisters: Esther Brouse and Catherine Eason; and a step-brother, Howard Walker. As was his wish, Edgar's body has been cremated, and a celebration of life at the Kinsmen's Keep will take place October 11, 2025, from 10 a.m. to Noon. Interment of his ashes will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Bristol, Indiana. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hosptials for Children.

Edgar E. Paulson

July 15, 1927 - August 4, 2025