Paul Druley passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at age 73, surrounded by love and comfort and soothed by good music.
Paul cherished everything in his life, treating everyone with an enduring warmth and kindness that always left them smiling. He was the kind of guy who’d assist a swamped Schnucks bagger while standing in the grocery line on a busy Saturday morning or effortlessly toss a neighbor’s Post-Dispatch to their front stoop if the delivery driver had been off the mark.
Paul supported and encouraged his children, David, Kevin, and Carolyn, endlessly through word and deed. Sometimes, he’d fuse the two together, slipping napkin notes into brown-bag school lunches with messages that always brought happiness.
A tender and devoted parent alongside his wife, Mary Jo, Paul earned the nickname “Superdad” from his sisters and friends after Mary Jo passed away on Nov. 11, 1993. Paul was there for his kids unconditionally. Always a capable cook, he expanded his menu with determination. The same soft-spoken confidence that helped him navigate his family through tragedy was his guide.
Paul and Mary Jo were wed on Nov. 14, 1974, at St. James the Greater Catholic Church. Paul was born a little more than 23 years earlier, on Sept. 29, 1951, and often said he never knew anyone like his beloved wife. Or would again.
The proud St. Louisans met across the river at The Grainary, a remodeled grain elevator turned Edwardsville nightspot.
These were the early ’70s, so Paul was bearded and a bit more hirsute than the clean-cut gentleman of his later years. Mary Jo playfully flashed him the peace sign from across the bar. They hit it off.
Paul played football at Mercy High School and was active in intramurals at Southeast Missouri State. He caddied at Westwood Country Club during summers home from school and once “looped” in a group that included singer-actor Robert Goulet.
Was it osmosis, then, when Paul went on to play the title role in a SEMO production of the musical “Finian’s Rainbow”?
An avid, around-the-house singer and whistler, Paul adored music. His jams were many, but I guess you’d say the Motown sound ranked atop his list. “My Girl” by The Temptations remained a favorite at home and a go-to during singalongs at Mason Pointe.
Paul knew all the church hymns, too. He volunteered his time and talent to St. Joan of Arc Catholic parish for decades, serving as a lector, on numerous associations and boards, and as a finance-room runner and beer garden guy during Homecoming.
Paul enjoyed watching the Cardinals, football, golf, and horse racing, and was a “Law & Order” devotee long before the show’s many spinoffs.
Paul is survived by children David (Tiffany) Druley, Kevin (Shannon) Druley, and Carolyn (Timothy) Schaumann; grandchildren Dean Druley and Scarlett Jo Schaumann; and sister Laura (Bernie) Staufenbiel.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jo; parents Harold and Ida; and sister Joanne (Gregory) Geno.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at Kutis Affton Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO 63123. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 5800 Oleatha Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139. Interment at New St. Marcus Cemetery, 7901 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO 63123.
What a wonderful tribute.
My heart and prayers are with you.
Aunt Jeni
Paul was very dear to me becoming my neighborhood dad after I bought the house next door as a single lady. He always looked out for me and my safety, gave me helpful tips on being a South City homeowner, and showed overall care for me. I loved sharing food with him (because it was hard only cooking for 1). Since our side doors faced eachother, we ran into eachother multiple times a day. Paul was a permanent fixture in my life as I started dating and marrying Justin, then as I had my children. His interest and care for my kids was heartwarming. Mr. Paul always had something extra special for them when he sat out on his steps every Halloween.
When it was time to find a bigger house and move out of South City that meant loosing the daily joy of seeing Paul.
There is a Paul sized hole in this world now that needs as many Paul’s as God could grace us with.
When you see my dad up there, give him a hug for me!
What a beautiful tribute. He was for sure “Super Dad,” fortunately and unfortunately .
He raised 3 great children and I know he will be missed
My little brother, I loved you from the day you came home from the hospital. You were a beautiful baby and all mine. We had so many adventures from St. Xavier Ave. to Townley Drive. And we both adored our younger sister Joanne. I loved that you met Mary Jo and had three beautiful children David, Kevin, and Carolyn. Your family and house on Potomac was always a fun destination. You faced the death of Mary Jo with such bravery and grace. You made the role of super dad seem easy. I love that you would call for my advice. You helped so much with the death of our parents. The news of your health was hard to learn as you always teased me and said you were going to live to be 100 and a happy old grandpa. I know you went straight to Mary Jo and Jesus and we who love you will be sad for a very long time. Laura and Bernie
What a beautiful story about dad! So sorry for all of you! I will always remember him as one of the nicest and kindest people in the world!!!!
I remember growing up with Paul and Mary as they began raising their family in SJA’s parish when they moved in next door to the Barone household. What a wonderful family to have living next door. Paul was one to act like it was yesterday he saw you last, even if a long time had passed. He was always watchful for my dad in later years after we married and moved away and I’m truly thankful for that. Paul was one of a kind and will certainly be missed.
On behalf of NBC FDNS Management, we would like to send our sincere condolences to the Dave Druley and Family in the loss of their father, grandfather, and friend. May you be comforted in knowing that your loved one was so loved and that we are sending positive thoughts your way.
Paul WE JUST PRAYED TOGETHER IT SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY YOU ASKED JESUS INTO YOUR HEART AS LORD AND SAVIOR !! WOW NOW YOUR THERE WITH JESUS AMEN!!!