Paul Oakleaf

Paul Devereux Oakleaf, 68, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 16, 2017, in Independence, Kansas, leaving behind three loving daughters, Andrea Gresnick of Olathe, Kansas; Lauren (Marco) Ramos of Hubert, North Carolina; and Holly (Brian) Turk of Lawrence, Kansas; and one sister, Junia Curran of Seattle, Washington.
The son of Lovell Randall Oakleaf and Margaret Virginia Devereux Oakleaf, he moved from the Cherryvale area to Independence around the age of six. He graduated from Independence High School in 1967 with a loyal group of friends that kept in touch regularly and celebrated holidays together in recent years.
Paul completed his undergrad degree at Pittsburg State University. He taught junior college for one year in Miami, Oklahoma, before heading to Washburn Law School, where he received his Juris Doctor Degree in 1976.
He honorably served his country in both the Air Force and the Army. He also was proud to have served as Montgomery County Attorney, as Mayor of Independence, on the Independence City Commission, and as the Neewollah Generalissimo in 1990. But his proudest accomplishments were his three daughters. He had the joy of welcoming seven grandchildren into the family. His sense of adventure and love of showing them a good time has provided lifelong memories that will always make them grin when they think of Grandad.
Paul loved drag racing, flying small planes, hunting, taking the girls fishing, and his dogs. In recent years Paul cared for a very protective and loyal dog, Louka, who will miss him dearly.
Paul's final wishes were for a small, intimate spreading of his ashes with the family. Stories and memories of Paul may be shared with the family on the Pott's Chapel website at www.pottsfuneralhome.com. The family suggests memorials to AWOL at 116 S. 23rd St., Independence, KS 67301, or the Independence Tennis Association at 1410 N. 5th St., Independence, KS 67301.

Memorial Contributions