Paul Elbert Rathbun: Longs

1948 – 2024

     Paul Elbert Rathbun of Longs passed away on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at his home in Longs. He was 76.

     Paul was born Aug. 16, 1948, in, Coral Gables, Florida, son of the late Cassius Elbert Rathbun and the late Colleen Elizabeth Green Rathbun.

     Mr. Rathbun served his country in the United States Army with courage, honor, and distinction where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

     Paul graduated from Detroit College of Law in 1995, and retired from the Public Defender’s Office in Conway in 2022. Paul was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and a longtime member of Mt. Leon Baptist Church in Longs.

     Survivors include his loving wife, Paulette Carter Rathbun and her family; his children, Nicole (Paul) Dickinson and Melissa J. Rathbun; his grandchildren, Bradly Rathbun, Jack Dickinson and Carter Dickinson; his great-grandchild, J.B. Rathbun; and his siblings, Pamela Ann Cato, John E. (Lilla) Rathbun, and William G.H. (Magdalena) Rathbun.

     In addition to his parents, Mr. Rathbun was predeceased by his sister, Ruth Luela R. Silvester.

     Memorial services were planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at Mt. Leon Baptist Church with Rev. Richard Wilson officiating.

     Visitation was planned for the hour preceding services at the church.

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