GREENWOOD
Paul R. Totten, 93, Greenwood, passed away Thursday morning, January 25, at Aspen Trace in Greenwood. He was a life long resident of Greenwood.
He was born on August 29, 1924 in Greenwood to Joseph L. and Flossie M. (McCormick) Totten. Paul graduated from Greenwood High School in 1942, and was a member of the school’s Hall of Fame.
He never lived outside the corporate limits of Greenwood except for three and a half years during World War II. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, and was in an Infantry Rifle Company serving in the Solomon Islands and Philippine Islands with front line duty. He spent four months in a Japanese prison camp, and the camp was liberated less than a year before the end of the war. He received eight combat related medals, but always felt the real heroes were the ones that never came back.
Paul was one of Indiana’s most decorated World War II veterans, having received seven medals, including two Bronze Star medals and the coveted combat Infantryman’s Badge. He received a Testimonial Award from the Republic of the Philippines in 1968 in Malacanan Palace, presented by the First Lady. He also received the Philippine Liberation Medal from the Republic of the Philippines in 1982 presented by the Commanding General of their Army. A park in Northern Luzon, Philippine Islands, was named after him due to his leadership during that conflict.
He married Carla J. Porter in 1953. They have one daughter, Debbie J. Totten. Survivors include two sisters, Martha Holeman and Mary Ann Spicer, both of Greenwood.
His greatest accomplishment was in 1970, when he became a Born Again Christian. Many activities from that point forward in his life were Christ-oriented.
He was an active member of the Greenwood United Methodist Church for over 80 years, and an active member of the Greenwood Christian Businessmen Committee.
Paul was an active business owner, having owned Blue Ribbon Realty Company and Totten Appraisal for 45 years.
His memberships were extensive, and included the Greenwood Rotary Club, Greenwood Veteran Memorial Committee, Greenwood Jaycees, and charter member of the Greenwood Friends of the Library. He was a Past President of the Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the committee that led the effort to establish the Greenwood Amphitheater.
Paul received one of the State of Indiana’s highest honors, the Sagamore of the Wabash.
A Celebration of Paul’s life will take place at 4:00 PM, Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at the Greenwood United Methodist Church, 525 N. Madison Avenue, Greenwood, with visitation from 3-4PM.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Greenwood Veterans Memorial Committee, 704 S. State Road 135, Box 307, Greenwood, IN 46143, or to the Greenwood United Methodist Church, 525 N. Madison Avenue, Greenwood, IN 46142.
You are invited to visit Paul’s online tribute at www.wilsonstpierre.com, where you may leave a condolence or sign the online register book. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson St.Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel.
