Paul Wilfong

Paul Wilfong, age 96, was born in Bonne Terre, Missouri, on April 5, 1930, and passed away Friday, July 24, 2026, in Columbia, Illinois.

Paul spent his life helping others—especially when something needed fixing. He was happiest with his hands busy in his workshop, building, repairing, or figuring out how something worked. If you needed help fixing or building anything, Paul was your guy. He also dedicated 42 years to his career as a truck driver for Elfrink Truck Lines. His legacy lives on in the many things he built and repaired. Although he was a man of few words, his love for his family ran deep.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alberta Wilfong; ten brothers and sisters; his stepson, Carl Brooks; and his stepdaughter, Sherry Breithaupt.

Paul is survived by his wife of 28 years, Mary Wilfong; his children, Don (Mary), Joe (Linda), and Leanne; his grandchildren, Kelly (Dave), Ryan (Katie), Holly (Ina), and Emily (Eric); his great-grandchildren, Kolby, Kiera, Ellie, Ensley, Sydney, and William; and his stepchildren, Carol (Fred), Rita (Mike), Helen (Tim), and Bonnie (Kevin).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization Paul faithfully supported for many years.

Visitation will be held at Braun Funeral Home, 265 Quarry Road, Columbia, IL 62236, on Monday, July 27, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and again on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.. Interment will be held at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, 3412 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL 62223, following visitation on Tuesday.