Paul Ervin Dill

Paul Ervin Dill, Jr., 96, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 29, 1929, in Alexandria, Louisiana, to Paul Ervin Dill, Sr. and Berta Musgrave Dill.

On his 17th birthday, September 29, 1946, Paul proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his military service, he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Korean Service Medal. At just 20 years old, he became the youngest Staff Sergeant in the entire United States Marine Corps, receiving one of his promotions personally from the legendary General Lewis “Chesty” Puller.

Following his service to his country, Paul began a distinguished 36-year career in the railroad industry, working for the Missouri Pacific, Rock Island, and Union Pacific Railroad Companies. He began as a Telegraph Operator, later serving as a Ticket Agent before being promoted to Station Agent Manager. Paul ultimately retired as Train Master for the Southwest Louisiana Region, a role that reflected both his dedication and leadership.

During his years with the Rock Island Railroad Company in Dallas, Texas, Paul was working in the tower behind Dealey Plaza, near the Texas School Book Depository, on the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

Paul retired in December of 1986 and looked forward to enjoying life’s simple pleasures. One of his favorite pastimes was horse racing, and he took great pride in owning racehorses of his own.

Above all else, Paul cherished his family. He and his beloved wife, Hazel, built a life centered on love, devotion, and time spent together. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose quick wit, remarkable intelligence, and incredible memory brought joy to those around him. His family will remember him as a man who loved deeply and lived with both strength and character.

Paul professed his faith in Christ, and was baptized at the age of 82, a moment his family will always treasure and for which they are eternally grateful to God.

Paul’s long life was marked by service, dedication, and love for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the family he loved so dearly.

Those left to cherish his memory are, his children, Mary Jordan (Tim), Henry Gormly (Connie), and Vernell Lyons; his grandchildren, Jennifer Forest, Heather Burton (Michael), Jeremy Gormly (Maeve), Mandi Bruns (Josh), Ellen Monroe (Stephen), Molly Linville (Eric), and Cade Jordan; seventeen great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Hazel Vernell Driver Dill, his parents; his granddaughter, Michelle Haines; his siblings, Catherine Dill, Mary Smith, and Shirley Musick.

Paul’s funeral will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, March 19, 2026 in the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake Street. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9:30 until the start of the service.

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