Paul Burlett

Paul Robert Burlett, 80 of Atwood, IL passed away at 1:13 P.M. on Monday, September 13, 2021 at Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur, IL.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 5:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 in the Prairie Mennonite Church Cemetery, 164 East County Road 700 North, Arthur, IL.  The Prairie Mennonite Ministry will officiate.  The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Paul was born on August 9, 1941 in Wilmington, DE.  He was a son of Paul Robert and Ethel (Coyle) Burlett Sr.

Paul attended Catholic schools.  His work career out of high school started at a New Car Dealerships.  He learned how to check in new vehicles, service writing and auto repair.  Paul then left the new car world for his own shop.

He had a goal to retire at the age of 40.  Paul’s hobbies included nail art, (bending nails so they joined together); competitive athletics (triathlons; biking, running, and swimming).  10,000 mile bike trips, east coast to west coast, brought him through Atwood.  He was “sponsored” and pulled a trailer.  Paul worked Olympic set up when he was in his 50s and 60s, flying and driving where needed, all over the country.

Paul helped a wares huckster, distributing goods door to door.  As a 10 to 12 year old, he was a regular altar boy.  At that time, he had questions for the priests for which the answers did not satisfy Paul’s heart.  He then walked as an agnostic for many years.  In 2019 around Easter, the Holy Spirit led Paul to open his heart to Jesus as he read the Easter story, heard sermons, and talked with his Christian friends.  The results of Christ were a miracle to see change.  Unforgiveness and hardness turned to love and soft words as he continued a faith journey to his exit into eternity.

Paul had a kind heart and gave away service help and garden goods to people in the Atwood area.