Paul J Nightengale

Paul J. Nightengale

April 16, 1921    November 28, 2020

Paul was born April 16, 1921 to parents John and Eva Wedel Nightengale on the family farm near Isabella, Oklahoma.  He was the fifth child of seventeen.  Soon after completing the eighth grade, his family moved to Dalhart, Texas to begin farming; however, they lost everything during the dust bowl and returned to Isabella.  He began working on his Uncle Henry’s farm to help support the growing family.

At age 20 he married his life-long love, Mildred Wedel.  They began their family which was interrupted by WWII.  He was called to the U.S. Navy serving as Seaman First Class on the U S Escort Carrier USS Bougainville from April 1945 until the end of WWII.  He was honorably discharged in April 1946.  During his service he received several medals of honor.

Shortly after his return, he began his ranching career moving to the Scannell, Yolo Ranch.  He soon realized this was an opportunity of a lifetime to raise his family and to help develop the best Angus cattle herd in the area.  His career spanned over 47 years until retirement.

During all those years he never lost sight of how important it was to grow in his Faith in God and instill values in his children by showing respect and compassion for others.  Family was always first in his life by enjoying fishing, hunting and camping, as well as, being part of a lake ministry team and nursing home ministry that he shared with his wife.

He was an active member of the New Hopedale Mennonite Church of Meno, serving as Deacon and other areas as needed.  After his move to The Commons he still kept the strong, unwavering faith by reading and studying Gods’ Word.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mildred; two infant daughters, Sara and Linda; son-in-law, Darrell Farnsworth; six sisters and four brothers.

He is survived by children, Delila Farnsworth, Maynard and wife, Sharon, Steve and wife, Joan, Grace Broomfield and husband, Rodger.  He is also survived by eleven grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; three sisters and three brothers.

Graveside service for Paul will be Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at New Hopedale Mennonite Church Cemetery in Meno.  Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Helena.  Viewing will be Friday in Helena 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. with family present 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.   www.lanmanmemorials.com  Facebook:  Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

Memorials may be made to New Hopedale Mennonite Church through the funeral home.