Paul F Severins

Paul Severins, 85, a lifetime resident of Gifford, IL passed away on the morning of Friday, January 31, 2025 at The Waters, Covington, IN. He was born March 9, 1939 on the family farm in Rural Rantoul, a son of John and Anna (Franzen) Severins. He married Carol J. Meece in 1971.  He later married Connie Babb in 1999 in Urbana.  She survives. Also surviving are 2 children, Stacy (Carissa) Severins of Gifford; Debbie Severins of Rockville, IN, 3 step-daughters, Jeanette (Kenny) During of Rantoul; Angela (Jeremy) Crawford of Treasure Island, FL; Sheri (Kevin) Sellers of Gifford.  Also surviving is a brother, Gene (Beulah) Severins of Thomasboro, IL, 2 sisters Kathy (Melvin) Wilkin of Armstrong, IL; Darlene (Dennis) Starkey of Paxton, IL, 4 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and 4 step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, a sister, a stepson Shane Babb and a grandson Cody Messer. He was a 1957 graduate of Rantoul Township High School.  He entered the US Army and served two years.  He farmed on the family lands all his life and retired from Alltel Phone Company after 37 years of service. Paul served on the Gifford Fire Department, Gifford Village Board.  He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where he served on the church council.  He also served on the Gifford German Fall Festival Board and was a member of the American Legion Post 996 in Royal.  On January 1, 1970 he joined the Gifford Lions Club and he spent 55 years with them. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 on Wednesday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gifford.  Rev. Gary Maxwell will officiate.  Burial will follow at Huls Cemetery, Gifford. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at St. Paul’s. Memorials may be made to Faustman Research for Diabetes Type 1.