Paul Asher Lanier, 34, better known as "P-FO" of Springfield, passed away unexpectedly Friday, January 24, 2020 at Memorial Medical Center. We firmly believe he did this to avoid having to make a decision in the upcoming presidential primary election. He despised loudmouth know-it-alls, wearing anything other than shorts and sandals, and people who didn't respect sleeping, napping, or his utter disgust for mornings. Being a diehard Ohio State fan, the "Michigan" word was a big "no, no." He also loved losing by being an avid Chicago Cubs fan and Green Bay Packers fan, however, he always made up for his losses through eating cheese and serenading friends by belting out, "All I Want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey.
Paul was an absolute one of a kind guy who had the natural ability to make you laugh so hard that you cried. Not just sometimes, but all the time. He was loved and adored by every person lucky enough to cross his path. In addition, Paul always put everyone and everything ahead of himself. Whether he was sharing milk with the neighborhood stray cats or buying tickets to a concert for his friends. He was genuine, loyal, and had the uncanny ability to flawlessly and effortlessly make others happy about who they were at their core.
From a young age, Paul was dealt a very difficult hand in life. His mother and sole parent passed away from cancer when he was just 14 years old causing him to be abruptly uprooted from Ohio to live in Illinois with his uncle Max who was his only real relative. Unfortunately, Uncle Max passed away back in February of 2013. Despite the odds being stacked against him, Paul persevered and went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western Illinois University, and his J.D. from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Unfortunately, at the time of Paul's passing, he did not have any savings or life insurance. In order to help cover the costs of his funeral and in lieu of flowers, if you have the necessary means for a necessary means, please donate 1 penny for every 7 times Paul made you laugh.
Funeral Services for Paul are listed below. Please attend if you are able to help Celebrate Paul’s Life the way he would have wanted…laughter encouraged! Paul will be dearly missed.
Visitation: 4-7 pm, Friday, January 31, 2020 at Staab Funeral Home-Springfield.
Funeral Service: 7 pm, Friday, January 31, 2020 at Staab Funeral Home-Springfield with Pastor Chris Paoni officiating.
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02/28/2020
Juniper, Archer and Jacqlyn Rohlfs has made a donation of $ 15
I hope you are being gentle with yourself. -
02/06/2020
Anonymous has made a donation of $ 200
Beyond making me laugh so hard, Paul made me feel included and cared about. Genuine, one of kind, witty soul. Sincere love and condolences for the family & friends -
02/04/2020
Valera Yazell has made a donation of $ 50
My heart breaks for you! Hold on and take care of you. 💕 -
02/01/2020
James South has made a donation of $ 1,500
Paul you will be missed. -
02/01/2020
Joshua Seed has made a donation of $ 150
Amanda, I am beyond sorry I wasn’t able to make it last evening. I am always a phone call or text away. Rest easy Paul, see you on the flip side! -
02/01/2020
Vickie Ringhouse has made a donation of $ 50
Amanda, I am very sorry for your loss. I pray God will bring you comfort during your time of sorrow and strength in the days ahead. -
02/01/2020
Kory Watson has made a donation of $ 100
Love you Paul. -
02/01/2020
Donna Belknap has made a donation of $ 25
Amanda, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Was so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend. May wonderful, happy memories of him carry you through the rest of your life. -
01/31/2020
David and Annette Mauro has made a donation of $ 200
Even though we just met him once, he was so kind and wonderful to talk with. He told us how much he loves both of you. Being part of the Long clan was a dream come true. So sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you -
01/31/2020
Andy Flynn has made a donation of $ 100
Rest In Peace, my friend. -
01/31/2020
Kate and Dave Darneille has made a donation of $ 50
Good guy always made me laugh. -
01/31/2020
Daniel Long has made a donation of $ 500
Paul was a wonderful individual who will be greatly missed. RIP my friend. -
01/31/2020
Josh Risse has made a donation of $ 50
❤ -
01/30/2020
Greg and JoAnn Sullivan has made a donation of $ 100
Our deepest condolences. -
01/30/2020
Sara Howe has made a donation of $ 50
I only met Paul once, about a year ago, and I instantly enjoyed him and had hoped our paths would cross again. I'm very sorry to hear his is no longer on this earth, he seemed to make it a little brighter. Sending love, peace & prayers to his loved ones. -
01/30/2020
Ed & Elsie Long has made a donation of $ 50
We're so sorry for your loss Amanda. We're praying that your happy memories of Paul bring you comfort & peace. Lots of Love, Ed & Elsie xoxo -
01/30/2020
Dustin & Julia Frevert has made a donation of $ 50
Keeping everyone in our thoughts & prayers. -
01/30/2020
Meghan And Derek Pygott has made a donation of $ 100
We are so very sorry Amanda, Addie, and family! We know how much you and Paul truly loved each other! I pray you can find comfort in your wonderful memories! We love you! -
01/30/2020
Alex and Megan Baker has made a donation of $ 300
Paul, Seeing the outpouring of messages confirms what I already knew, you were a special person with an infectious spirit. I love you, pal, and I'll miss you greatly, but I'll always remember the many, many, laughs we shared. Love, Alex and Megan B -
01/30/2020
Hilary Jo has made a donation of $ 25
I’m at a loss for words :/ I’m very saddened by this news! I’m so sorry Oota!! ❤️ -
01/30/2020
Victoria & Bruce Orman has made a donation of $ 50
I only met you briefly Paul, we bantered some on FB, but I know if Amanda said your were a good egg, then that was all I ever needed to hear. Keep a close watch over them, they will be able to feel your love and spirit still with them. -
01/29/2020
Anonymous has made a donation of $ 200
Much love to you my friend. Thank you for the countless laughs and pure enjoyment in your company. You'll truly be missed. Happy our Cubbies gave us a ring in our lifetime! Rest in peace Paul and may comfort and peace find all of those who share this loss. -
01/29/2020
Mike & Sam Sullivan has made a donation of $ 200
We are so sorry for your guys’ loss. Paul was a good guy. We are keeping you and Addie in our prayers and here for you when you need us. Please don’t hesitate to call. -
01/29/2020
Nikki Squires has made a donation of $ 25
My heart goes out to family and friends of Paul. -
01/29/2020
Rachel Griminger has made a donation of $ 100
Lots of love to you Oota! -
01/29/2020
Anonymous has made a donation of $ 25
We will always have Jerome -
01/29/2020
Tricia & Brian Sanders-McGann has made a donation of $ 150
So sorry for your loss. GO CUBBIES! -
01/29/2020
Sunshine has made a donation of $ 100
So young and so very talented and smart. You always made me laugh! -
01/29/2020
Darci Vespa has made a donation of $ 25
I knew Paul from his uncle max. He was always so friendly and looked after max when he was sick! You will be missed Paul! Taken way too soon! -
01/29/2020
Sara and Matthew Roberts - King has made a donation of $ 100
You had me at coping with cheese. -
01/29/2020
Steve and Nancy Hostick has made a donation of $ 50
Prayers for all. -
01/29/2020
Patrick Holstein has made a donation of $ 100
Keep 'em laughing in the afterlife, buddy. I'm going to miss you a lot. -
01/29/2020
Anonymous Crusader has made a donation of $ 50
Went to HS with Paul. Can't say I had the pleasure of being a close friend, but he made a positive impact on everyone he came across and isn't someone you ever forget. Rest in peace. -
01/29/2020
Debbie Hunt-Churchill has made a donation of $ 50
RIP Paul, until we meet again. -
01/29/2020
Anonymous has made a donation of $ 100
Paul was without a doubt, one of a kind. We bonded over mutual love of chris farley and all things comedy. I will never forget his laugh. I’m keeping Amanda and the rest of the family in my heart. I’m so glad he found you all. -
01/29/2020
Bob & Barb Wood has made a donation of $ 50
Paul was a great guy to be around and always good for more than a few laughs -
01/29/2020
Ryan & Michelle Galligan has made a donation of $ 50
If you rearrange the letters in “Paul Lanier” you get “Pale Urinal” and I just think that’s something Paul would appreciate. I’ll see myself out. -
01/29/2020
Rick Robinson has made a donation of $ 100
Wish I could be there to pay my respects brother. Until I see you again.... -
01/29/2020
Anonymous has made a donation of $ 50
Love and hugs to Amanda and Addie! -
01/29/2020
Anonymous has made a donation of $ 500
I never had the pleasure of meeting Paul. He looks like he'd be a blast to be around. I know Amanda through a leadership program we took part in and learned what an amazing and loving person she is to everyone My love is with you all. Your buddy -
01/29/2020
Greg Furkin has made a donation of $ 50
God bless you all. -
01/29/2020
Anonymous has made a donation of $ 100
You will be missed more than you ever would have known. -
01/29/2020
Lisa Henn has made a donation of $ 50
I read in his obituary that he was a fellow John Mayer fan. Immediately the song "You're Gonna Live Forever in Me" came to mind. Amanda -he will live forever in you and your beautiful daughter. Much Love. -
01/29/2020
Anonymous has made a donation of $ 50
May your memory be eternal Paulie -
01/29/2020
Anonymous has made a donation of $ 500
“F U in your A’s. Don’t wear C’s and J all over your B’s”
Paul A. Lanier
34 years old
The campaign is no longer available
$9,350 of
$10,000
Funeral Home information:
Staab Funeral Homes
1109 S. 5th Street
Springfield, IL, 62703
217-528-6461
StaabFamily.com
Staab Funeral Homes1109 S. 5th Street
Springfield, IL, 62703
217-528-6461
StaabFamily.com
Donations
Juniper, Archer and Jacqlyn Rohlfs
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$ 15
Friends from Decatur
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$ 500
Steve Colyer
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$ 100
Anonymous
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$ 200
Valera Yazell
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$ 50
James South
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$ 1,500
Joshua Seed
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$ 150
Vickie Ringhouse
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$ 50
Jake and Caryn Tripp
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$ 100
Danny Long
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$ 100
Donna Belknap
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Megan Selinger
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Justin & Tiffani Selinger
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David and Annette Mauro
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$ 200
Andy Flynn
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$ 100
Kate and Dave Darneille
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$ 50
Brady McAninch
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$ 500
Jessica Nardulli
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$ 100
Anonymous
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$ 100
Daniel Long
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$ 500
Josh Risse
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$ 50
Greg and JoAnn Sullivan
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$ 100
Sara Howe
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$ 50
Ed & Elsie Long
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$ 50
Jim Ashley
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$ 50
Dustin & Julia Frevert
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$ 50
Anonymous
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$ 200
Meghan And Derek Pygott
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$ 100
Alex and Megan Baker
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$ 300
Dick & Theda Kaylor
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$ 60
Anonymous
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$ 25
Hilary Jo
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$ 25
Ayla Chezem
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$ 100
Victoria & Bruce Orman
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$ 50
Anonymous
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$ 200
Anonymous
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$ 100
Mike & Sam Sullivan
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$ 200
Nikki Squires
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$ 25
Rachel Griminger
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$ 100
Anonymous
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$ 25
Tricia & Brian Sanders-McGann
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$ 150
Emily Rollman
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$ 100
Lori Ullmer
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$ 25
Sunshine
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$ 100
Darci Vespa
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Sara and Matthew Roberts - King
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Steve and Nancy Hostick
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Kris Hopper
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Patrick Holstein
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Anonymous Crusader
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Anonymous
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Paige Duffy
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Bob & Barb Wood
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Ryan & Michelle Galligan
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Rick Robinson
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$ 100
Anonymous
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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Greg Furkin
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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