Paul H. Crader

Paul Homer Crader of Fenton, Missouri, was born December 22, 1931 in Bollinger County, Missouri to Homer and Maudie May Crader. He passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026 at the age of 94 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Maudie May Crader; brothers Milton and Murrell Crader; wife, Piccola Crader; sons Glenn Crader and Forrest Crader (Sharon); longtime partner Carol Chlanda and grandchild Angie Brown. He is survived by his brother, Bruce Crader (Carolyn); son Mark Crader (Amy), daughters Susan Biri (Mike) and Marilyn Clifford (Bob); niece Nanette Stovall and nephew Craig Crader; daughter-in-law, Joan Crader; former daughter-in-law Sherry Gentry; former son-in law Bob Falcone; as well as 10 grandchildren and their families: Sharon, Debbie, Grant, Jake, Leah, Ryan, Jennifer, Jeff, Blake, Nathan, Aryn, and Ashlynn; along with many loved bonus and extended family members and dear friends. Paul grew up in the Jackson, Missouri area and attended Southeast Missouri State University earning a Bachelors Degree. Afterwards he was drafted into the Army and was stationed in Germany for two years. Upon returning to the U.S., he became a World History Teacher at Northwest High School in House Springs, Missouri. Later he continued his career as a World History teacher at Lindbergh High School and earned a Masters Degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. During this time, he was also a Sunday School teacher at Morse Mill Church of God, Faith of Abraham. While at Lindbergh he served as a member of the School Board of the Northwest R-1 School District for about 10 years, the last few as its President. He retired from teaching after approximately 30 years and went to work selling new cars at Sunset Ford in Sunset Hills for another 30 years. Paul Crader was a fine figure of a man, tall with a ready smile, always in sharply pressed clothing with the charm and formal manners of another time... and a twinkle in his eye. He loved everyday life and valued other people most highly, especially his family but also everyone he met and enjoyed engaging in conversation with all. Liked and well respected, he loved to talk about a wide range of subjects: world affairs, politics, history, family, and cars as well as the events of the day. He loved bluegrass music and played the piano; collected classic cars (a 1964 Buick Riviera, a 1941 Buick that he had owned since age 16, and a 1948 Packard); and adored his pet dogs Muffin, Daisy and Mollie. He loved traveling out West, to Branson, Missouri to see family and also back to Bollinger County to participate in family reunions. He enjoyed meeting up with former students and visiting restaurants with friends and family — he especially liked visiting Cracker Barrel for everyday meals. Paul will be fondly missed by his family, friends, former coworkers, students, and all who knew him. The family wishes to thank the staff at Solstice Senior Living and is grateful for their devoted care. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. until time of the memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6300 State Route 30, Cedar Hill, Missouri 63016. Family and friends can review and share stories, photos and condolences online at www.stlfuneral.com and follow details of this event and others in the community at www.facebook.com/stlchapelhill.

Paul H. Crader

December 22, 1931 - May 25, 2026