Paul F. Bland

Paul F. Bland, age 88 of Batesville, Indiana, died Friday, August 7, 2009, at St. Andrew’s Health Campus. Born August 2, 1921 in Batesville, he is the son of Anna (Nee: Bosse) and Ivan Bland. He married Ruth Selke October 21, 1944 at Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah, Georgia. He worked for American Furniture Company in Batesville for a few years before taking a factory position with Hillenbrand Industries. In later years, he headed Hillenbrand’s Time and Motion Study and retired in 1984 after 36 years. He was a member of St. Louis Church, the Batesville V.F.W. and a former member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1461.He served in the Army during World War II as an airplane mechanic and gunner, seeing extensive action in the Normandy and Northern France campaigns as well as European African Middle Eastern Theatre. In 1944 he awarded the Air Service Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross, the armed forces second highest honor, which is earned by someone who distinguishes himself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. The extraordinary achievement must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from his comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances. Paul had many varied interests and hobbies during his life time. His most favorite was vegetable gardening. He also enjoyed tinkering in his workshop and was a bit of an amateur inventor as well as a wood carver. His children recall his delicious homemade wine and his fondness for cards, especially 500, 7up and Pinochle. Paul also liked to spending time with and helping people. In his earlier years he was a civil defense leader and an Assistant Scout Master. In later years, he would make regular visits to the local nursing homes to visit with residents.He is survived by his wife Ruth of Batesville; daughter Deborah Sherman of Monroe, Washington; sons Michael Bland of St. Louis, Missouri, Thomas Bland of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Jeffrey Selke-Minogue of Portland, Oregon; eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by sisters Mildred Strobel and Luella Bosse as well as brothers Clifford and Walter Bland. Visitation is Tuesday, August 11th, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 12th, at St. Louis Church with Rev. Dennis Duvelius officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Batesville V.F.W. Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271. The family requests memorials to the Batesville V.F.W.

Paul F. Bland

August 7, 1921 - August 7, 2009