Paul Lanning DeMuth, born on February 2, 1938, in Milford, Iowa, was the beloved son of Victor and Sally DeMuth. Raised on a farm west of Milford, Paul attended Saint Joseph Catholic School and graduated from the 8th grade in 1951. His early work around the lakes area was followed by his service in the Iowa National Guard starting in 1954, and at 17, he enlisted in the United States Army.
Paul’s military journey began with basic training in Omaha, followed by anti-aircraft cannon training in El Paso, Texas, and further preparation in Washington State. After a brief stint on a WWII cargo plane, he arrived in Tokyo, Japan, where he advanced to Corporal (E-4) and served in roles including Corporal of Guard, Unexplored Ordnance Recognizance Agent, Battery Ammo Chief, and Barracks NCO. Upon completing his Army service, Paul returned to Iowa and worked for Berkley and Company before re-enlisting, this time in the Navy, in 1959.
Paul’s Navy career took him to Anacostia Naval Station in Washington, D.C., where he transitioned from Seaman to Airman and was subsequently stationed at the Naval Air Facility in Annapolis, Maryland. His duties included overseeing the raft shop, packing parachutes, and participating in Naval Academy events.
Paul’s career continued with an assignment to Alameda, California, followed by deployment to Hawaii and the Far East, including Okinawa, the Philippines, Formosa, and Vietnam. He earned the rank of AME1 (E-6) and was involved in Air Support and aircraft maintenance. His subsequent roles included instructor duty at NATTC in Memphis, Tennessee, where he became AMEC (E-7), and later, he served as Night Maintenance Chief and Squadron Career Counselor in Iceland. His later assignments took him to Siganella, Sicily, and Bermuda, where he had the opportunity to visit Rome, Athens, and London. Paul eventually achieved the rank of AMCS (E-8).
Returning to NATTC in Memphis, Paul served as Course Supervisor in both the AME (B) and AME (A) schools. He retired from the Navy on July 25, 1975, after a distinguished career.
Post-military, Paul moved to Linn Grove, where he ran a bait shop before pursuing an associate’s degree in electronics. He worked at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids as a printed circuit designer, contributing to projects from B1 bombers to the space shuttle. Paul also advanced to Senior Design Tech and led the design of the first GPS. Later, he worked as an Industrial Engineer and was instrumental in updating design handbooks before technology evolved.
Paul married Cynthia Egge on September 20, 1980, in Spencer. The couple built a home on 50 acres of family land in Milford and ran an antique business, first from a building they restored and later in an antique mall. They also wintered in Laughlin, Nevada, for over two decades.
Paul passed away on April 28, 2024. He is remembered as a dedicated worker, lifelong learner, and committed patriot, deeply loved by his wife, Cindi. Paul is survived by his wife, Cindi; brothers, David and Richard of Milford; sister, Judy McGivern of Davenport; as well as extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jerome, and infant brother Stephen.
Private family services were held. Turner Jenness Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
