Joshua Calvin Paul, age 41, of O'Fallon, born November 12, 1973 in Saint Louis, Mo., died Thursday, May 14, 2015 at home in O'Fallon, Ill.

Josh grew up in O'Fallon, graduated from OTHS, earned his undergraduate degree at Eastern Illinois University, and his M.B.A. degree from Saint Louis University. He had worked in the medical supply industry in Puerto Rico for a few years, before returning to the Metro-east. He was formerly employed at YWCA in St. Louis as a headstart manager, and had most recently worked at Express Scripts. His passion was nature; he especially loved hummingbirds and cardinals and had just made an investment to pursue this passion of sharing his hobby and love of backyard birds by operating a Wild Birds Unlimited retail shop in Green Bay, Wisc.

Joshua travelled often, having a special appreciation for Colombia and India, their culture and people. In India, he was a certified Yoga instructor; his love for Colombia made him want to obtain his Colombian citizenship. He was a bright and entertaining man; during his nature walks, he used to recite his favorite poem "Desiderata" by the American writer Max Ehrmann. He had a strong focus on his family, was a fabulous husband and son, a proud father and uncle and loved his family and friends very much.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Mary C. Paul, Carl D. Paul, and Elton H. Kalk.

He is survived by his beloved wife Alix Y. Roncancio Villalba of Colombia; his beloved children Alexander Jerry Paul-Torres of O'Fallon; Anacarolina Paul-Torres of Puerto Rico; his parents Jerry W. and Nancy L., nee Kalk, Paul, of O'Fallon; his sister Alison C. (David) DeSchryver of Washingtion, D.C., brother Jacob G. (Erika) Paul of Hoboken, N.J.; niece Audrey DeSchryver and nephews Gus DeSchryver and Jackson Jerry Paul; and his grandmother Audrey I. Kalk.

Memorial Donations in lieu of flowers are suggested to A. Jean Brugger Education Project, Inc., (www.fundacionajbrugger.org) PO Box 61432, Irvine, CA 92602 or to the St Louis Zoo Tribute Program, (www.stlzoo.org/give) PO Box 790090, St. Louis, MO 63179.

Visitation: Friends may call from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Friday, May 22, 2015 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon.

Funeral: 11:00 am, Saturday, May 23, 2015 at O'Fallon United Church of Christ, 206 W. Adams St., O'Fallon, with Rev. Dr. Donald Wagner officiating and Rev. Dr. Martha Thierheimer officiating.