Paul Philip Meister

Paul P. Meister passed away July 25, 2023, at the age of 90 in Nashville, Tennessee. He was born an only child in Belleville, Illinois to the late Clem and Pauline (Whittauer) Meister. He is preceded in death by his adored wife of 61 years, Shirley Vogler Meister who passed away in January 2020. Paul was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, friend to many, lover of music, published and award-winning photographer, train engineer and just all-around nice guy.

In his early years, Paul attended Cathedral Grade School and Cathedral High School in Belleville. He went on to attend Belleville Junior College studying mechanical and sales engineering. He met Shirley while working as a photographer for the Belleville Daily Advocate and she worked as a proofreader. Their first date was attending a stock car race where Paul was the assigned photographer for the newspaper. Unaware of the evening plans, when picked up, Shirley donned her best attire wearing a lovely dress and high heels. To her surprise, she ended up covered in dust and dirt throughout the evening. He often joked it was a miracle she ever went out with him again.

Drafted into the Army during the Korean War, Paul was trained in field wire and radio maintenance repair. While stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas he kept in close contact with Shirley, regularly writing her sweet love letters. He and Shirley married in 1958, moved to Chicago for a brief time, and eventually settled in the Broad Ripple neighborhood of Indianapolis, Indiana in 1959. They joined Christ the King Church and community and raised three girls through primary, secondary school and college.

Passion for trains began as a young boy for Paul when he often rode in the engine with his grandfather (Bombo), a train engineer, on routes to and from Belleville/St. Louis, Missouri. He acquired a substantial Lionel O Gauge train collection, built a platform and transformer capable of running it along with all its accessories. He also spent years volunteering at the Indiana Transportation Museum in Noblesville, Indiana where he worked on train engines, became a certified train engineer running locomotives during the Indiana State Fair, and served as a member of its Board.

Paul’s love of music compelled him to join The Indianapolis Maennerchor, once the oldest continuously existing male choir in the United States, where he sang for 50 years until the group’s last performance in 2018. He was also an active member of Christ the King Church choir and acted as a cantor for many years. He continued his appreciation for music by singing along at music performances as late as a week before his passing.

Photography was a hobby, passion, and profession for Paul. He loved taking pictures. His desire was not to take good pictures; he strove to take outstanding pictures; and they were. Most all family gatherings eventually turned to a directive to retire to the front porch for the compulsory family picture; only to find him fiddling with the flash or tripod; something to ensure the picture would be flawless. Paul won many awards for his photography and often freelanced, taking photographs for family reunions, first communions and weddings.

Being a proud Veteran, Paul could usually be seen wearing his Korean War ball cap and was tickled to tell the story of strangers “thanking him for his service” or picking up his lunch tab. He enjoyed long-time membership in the Service Club of Indianapolis, attending weekly meetings at the Knights of Columbus. Thrilled to attend the Honor Flight for Korean Veterans to Washington, DC at the age of 83, it was no surprise Paul carried along his heavy camera gear for the 18-hour day trip to memorialize the experience.

Professionally Paul’s career focused on sales engineering, primarily the sale of large heating and air conditioning units. He worked hard and provided well for his family. No matter how he felt, he got up, got dressed and went on with his day. You could count on him. He was well-read, a brilliant man and seemed to know something about everything. He could build or fix almost anything and taught his girls his handiness. A steadfast, faithful, loyal, and good man he selflessly and compassionately cared for Shirley throughout her time with Alzheimer’s. He never complained and always kept a cheerful outlook, even during the most challenging times. He is missed terribly and will always be remembered for his witty quips and gems of wisdom, particularly in his final months and days.

Paul is survived by his daughters Donna (Robert) Simons, Cleveland, Ohio, Diane Meister (Al Houin), Plymouth, Indiana, Lisa Meister, Nashville, Tennessee; grandsons David (Chelsey) Meister, San Diego, California and Samuel Simons, Tel Aviv, Israel; sister-in-law Beverley (John) Thurman, Belleville, Illinois, brother-in-law Michael (Betty) Vogler, Huntley, Illinois along with multiple nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at Christ the King Church, 5884 Crittenden Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana at 12:00 PM on October 13, 2023. A celebration of life will follow in the St. Joseph’s Room at Christ the King School.

Memorial contributions to Mary, Queen of Angels, Nashville, Tennessee, are welcomed.