Heaven opened its gates to welcome Paul and he eagerly went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 26, 2024. He passed away peacefully with family by his side at home in Boise, Idaho, at the age of 92 from natural causes.
Paul was born at home on the Omas family farm in Bloomfield, Ohio on January 14,1932, the eldest child to John and Mary Omas. He often told the story of how he was so small that he slept in a shoebox. He grew up during the depression with very few conveniences at home such as no electricity, only an outhouse, and the need to haul water for everyday necessities home from the neighbors house. As he grew up he helped work on the family farm.
Paul served in the Navy from 1950 to 1954. His Navy adventures as a pipefitter took him to places like Japan, where he bought two sets of china, one for his mother and one for his “future” wife.
Paul met the love of his life, Mabel Baldwin, at a social event center for servicemen in Long Beach, CA in 1953. Paul and Mabel married on September 16, 1955 in Los Angeles CA. Their first son, Phillip Paul Omas, was born on October 31, 1957 and Douglas John Omas on October 11, 1960. The family moved from California to Boise, Idaho in 1979.
Paul was always hardworking and worked in various fields including agriculture, the steel mill, furniture manufacturing, as a UPS driver delivering furniture, and as a warehouse manager at Frito Lay. He retired in 1993 and jumped with both feet into volunteer work.
Paul was dedicated to volunteering his time with organizations such as MAPS, Meals on Wheels, transporting children in the church bus, and serving retirement homes including a group that called themselves “Singing Mothers and Others”. His hobbies included camping, fishing, hunting, and cherishing family gatherings. He worshiped at several Assembly of God churches and most recently was a member of Boise New Hope Church of the Nazarene. Paul’s strong faith never wavered and he was always eager to share it with others.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Mabel Omas; his son, Douglas (Dori) Omas; daughter-in-law, Laurie Omas; granddaughter, Heather (David) Betts; grandson, Daniel Omas; as well as great-grandchildren Olivia Omas, Lauren Betts, Colton Omas, Noah Omas, Grace Betts, and Elle Betts. He is also survived by his brother John Omas and sister Mary Jane Detweiler.
He was preceded in death by his father John Omas, mother Mary Omas (Little), son Phillip Omas, and sister Ellen Harvey.
A viewing will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on March 9, 2024, at Alden-Waggoner Funeral Home, 5400 Fairview Ave, Boise, ID. Interment will be at Cloverdale Cemetery at a later date.