Paul Hairl Cantrell

Paul “Hairl” Cantrell, 79 years of age, passed away on November 18, 2021, at Olathe Medical Center in Olathe, Kansas. He was born to Eva Fern Cantrell (Fuller) and Eli Lanzly Cantrell in Seymour, Missouri on February 13, 1942. After meeting the love of his life, Tabitha Mae Buckley, they were married on June 26, 1960, and settled in Paola, Kansas. Together the couple had four children: Lee, Paul, Mark, and Tammy. They were further blessed with 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Hairl was busy enjoying retirement after dedicating 58 years from his position as a foreman for Johnson County Basements. He also served his nation honorably as a veteran of the United States Army. A loving and caring person, Hairl would always come to his family’s aid no matter the situation. For his children and grandchildren, he was the “go-to” person they would call for help. He was always on call for car and home repairs, yardwork, school pick-ups and drop-offs, unwitting dog sitting, and pest control (he was especially talented at bat removal). Hairl’s sense of humor was contagious; he was never one without a smart remark or gesture. With a sly smile at Tabitha, shaking the ice in his glass was his signal for a refill of tea. For all his many strengths, Hairl did have one weakness: chocolate. Known to have a sweet tooth, he would sneak into Casey’s General Store for treats. Preceding Haril in death are his parents, Eli and Eva Cantrell; his brother, Wilbur Cantrell; and sisters, Opal Williams and Thelma Seal. Hairl is survived by his wife, Tabitha Cantrell of the home; their three sons, Lee Cantrell of Beatrice, Nebraska; Paul Cantrell of Paola; and Mark Cantrell of Ottawa, Kansas; his daughter, Tammy Farmer of Paola; and by 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Walter Cantrell, Lendel Cantrell, and Clarence Cantrell, sisters Hazel Williams and Martha Ince, along with many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 1:00PM with the funeral to follow at 2:00PM at Dengel and Son, Paola Chapel. Family and friends are encouraged to post their memories and condolences on Paul's tribute wall.