Paul Theodore McCarty, age 72, of Knox City, MO passed away early Tuesday morning, June 25, 2024 at his home outside of Knox City.

He was born February 29, 1952 in Grim Smith Hospital in Kirksville, MO a son of Clarence "Cotton" William and Mary Louise Shepard McCarty.

He was united in marriage to Rebekah Lin Tonnies on May 31, 1986 in the Knox City United Methodist Church.  They recently celebrated 38 years of marriage.

Surviving are his wife, Rebekah; three children, Andrew McCarty of Knox City, MO, Christopher Meek and wife, Leah of St. Joseph, MO, and Melissa Meek Nelson and husband Nic of Hollister, MO; eight grandchildren, Jareth McCarty, DrewAnna McCarty, Braylyn McCarty, Ryder McCarty, Lucas Nelson, Landon Nelson, Marley Jo Meek, and Michael Meek; two great-granddaughters, Ellianna McCarty and Layanna Morris.  He is also survived by one brother, Bill McCarty and wife, Kathy of Durham, MO and one sister, Patti McCarty of Union, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Clarece Elaine Pape.

Paul was a 1970 graduate of Knox County R-I School District. He attended and volunteered his time to the Knox City United Methodist Church.  Paul retired from the Mark Twain Telephone Company after working there for 43 years.  He was a member of the CWA Union.

Paul loved Blues music, antiques (specifically) cast iron, selling his "good finds" on E-bay, at antique malls, and by setting up a booth at the Rutledge Flea Market.  He was adored by his family and often referred to as a grill master.  He loved to tell stories and to reminisce about his days growing up in Hurdland, MO and his beloved memories of his parents and his dad's Cotton Service Station.  His greatest treasure and joy however, was fishing with his grandkids.  He truly loved that quality time with them.  He also loved evening boat rides with his wife.  They loved quiet evenings at the lake together.

It was Paul's wishes to be cremated.  On Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. a Celebration of Life will be held at the Knox County Community Center in Edina.  A private burial of the cremains will be at the Knox City Cemetery at a later time.

Memorials in memory of Paul T. McCarty may be made to the Donor's wishes.  Memorials may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO 63537.