Paul Warth

Paul Warth, 87 of Pocatello passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday evening February 23, 2011.

He was born May 16, 1923 in Pocatello, Idaho to Jerome and Margaret Smith Warth. He was the youngest child and last surviving member of the family of eight children. He attended school until joining the 116th National Guard in 1939. At the start of World War II, the National Guard was mobilized into the US Army where he served in the 329th Eng. as a Staff Sergeant in the European Theater.

He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and helped liberate a concentration camp before returning to the USA in the summer of 1945. He was on his way to California for more training as a night fighter to be deployed to the Pacific when the war ended. He received his honorable discharge in November of 1945. Within two weeks he met the love of his life, Norma Gilbert and had a short but wonderful courtship. They married May 16, 1946 on Paul's birthday, or as he put it "I will never forget my anniversary."

They were sealed in the Idaho Falls temple for Time and for All Eternity July 18, 1946. Paul and Norma would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Paul's 88th birthday.

They purchased ground and built their first home on Washington Ave. eventually purchasing their current residence where they have resided the past 40 years.

Paul worked at the Naval Ordinance Plant until it closed in 1959. He then made the decision to become a watch repairman. Paul and Norma started the business of Paul's Jewelers in old town Pocatello running it until 1969. He worked briefly for Zales Jewelers until invoking on a new adventure creating Paul's Trophies and Watch Repair. They expanded their business several times with the final location at 1108 North 8th. In 1983, they retired and sold the business. Paul continued repairing watches and clocks out of his residence.

Paul enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also loved working with the public. He had a passion for collecting and repairing antique watches and clocks. Joking and telling stories with his brothers. Paul was a member of the LDS church serving a stake mission, in the bishopric, and several other callings.

Paul is survived by his wife, Norma and two sons Steve (Kathie) and Don all of Pocatello, one granddaughter Michelle and four grandsons, Darrell, Darren, Steven II, and Ryan. Fifteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Jerome and Margaret Smith Warth, five brothers, Frank (Ferl), Bob (Rosetta), Joe (Victoria), Jesse (Helen), Donald "Red" (Zella), two sisters, Elizabeth Ann (Jerold Hansen), and Eva (LeRoy Draper).

Funeral services will be held Wednesday March 2, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the L.D.S. Church on Cedar Street (550 West Cedar) with Bishop Rod Johnson of the Cedar 2nd Ward officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening March 1, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel 510 N. 12th Ave. and on Wednesday at the Church from 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. prior to services. Following the services interment will be in Mountainview Cemetery with Military Rites provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard.