Paul William Back passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 4, 2023, at his home, which he built in 1960. Paul was born to parents, Charles A. and Clara A. Scherger Back on April 3, 1931. He lived and left his life in his hometown of St. Peter’s, Indiana.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 70 years; 9 children: Larry (Kathy) Back, Debora (Don) Simmermeyer, Jerry (Deborah) Back, Donna Raver, Terry (Lisa) Back, Dan (Nancy) Back, Mary (Tim) Garcia, Ron (Tammy) Back, and Jenny (Steve) McCreary; 36 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren. Also surviving are 3 brothers: Harold (Donna) Back, David Back, and Charles (Mitzi) Back, Jr; 1 sister, Marlene (Art) Hoog. Paul was proceeded in death by siblings, Marjorie Lehane, Dorothy Giesting, Jerome Back, Albert Back, John Back, Clarence Back, Virginia Huff, and Victor Back.
Paul was an active member of the St. Peter’s Catholic Church, working on maintenance of buildings into his mid 80’s and the church festival until age 90. Earlier in his life, he was a youth basketball coach. As a youth himself, he was part of St. Peter’s CYO basketball team that won the State Championship of 1948.
Paul was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in Germany from 1953-1955. Upon return from the service, he worked as a carpenter until 1993. During his time as Carpenter Superintendent his motto was “treat your employees as you yourself want to be treated.”
He also served the community as a member of the Franklin County School Board for 2 terms.
After God and family, Paul’s passion for life was his garden, which he shared with everyone who visited; weekly excursions to White’s Sale Barn; playing double deck pinochle with brothers, children, and grandchildren; telling everyone who stopped by the history of St. Peter’s over the past 92 years, with photographic memory on dates, times, people and places; and giving words of wisdom to his grandchildren.
Visitation is Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 4 until 7pm. At Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 929 Main Street, Brookville. The Rosary will begin at 3:30pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be Friday at 10am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 1207 East Road, Brookville, Indiana 47012, with burial in the church cemetery immediately following. Graveside military honors will be provided by the St. Leon American Legion.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be given to either the St. Peter’s Catholic Church cemetery fund or Grain of Rice Project to fund the school ran by Amy Back Ahiga in Kenya. To leave personal condolences or to sign the online guestbook please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Paul Back.