On September 2, 2009, Paul Sterling was once again united with his wife Joyce after he lost an 18 year battle with diabetes.

Paul was born on August 7, 1950, in Freona, TX, to Charles and Beulah Sterling. They lived in Kansas before moving to Pierre in 1958, where he attended school until graduating in 1968. He worked as a sales representative for Carquest and Millbrook, and delivered rural route mail.

In 1976 he married his soul mate, Joyce Jager in Pierre. He lost her to cancer in January of 2002.

Paul moved to Sturgis with his daughter Melinda and family in November of 2006. He had an abundance of love for his family, his grandchildren, hunting, and a passion for darts and fishing.

He leaves behind his daughters Melissa (Todd) Foss of Ft. Pierre; Melinda (Shaun) Cooper, Sturgis; two grandchildren, Trevor and MaKayla Jo; brothers, Chuck, Stan (Joan), and Tony (Robin), and Sister Judy Row, all of Pierre; also, several nieces and nephews all of whom held a special place in his heart.

He was preceeded in death by his wife Joyce, his parents, and sister in law Carol.

An informal come and go memorial tribute of celebration of his life will be held September 12, 2009 at 12 noon at the home of John Sterling at 1535 Northstar Ave., Pierre. A separate tribute will be held in Spearfish at the home of Harold and Sheila Baker at a later date.

Cards of condolence may be sent to: Shaun and Melinda Cooper at PO Box 323, Spearfish, SD 57783.