First Paul G. Magers

First Lieutenant Paul G. Magers was born July 20, 1945, in Denver, Colo., the son of Fred and Cecilia Farris Magers. Paul lived in Billings 1948-1952 and after 1958. He was a graduate of Holy Rosary School May 28, 1959; Billings Central Catholic High School, June 2, 1963; attended University of Oregon in Eugene; and graduated with a B.S. (pre-med) from Regis University in Denver on May 20, 1968. He married Beverly J. Mohatt Dec. 27, 1969, in Sidney, Neb. Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969 in Sidney, Neb.; graduated from Officer Candidate School, (OC2.70) January 1970, Ft. Benning, Ga.; Helicopter School October 1970, Fort Wolters, Texas; Rotary Wing Aviator Course February 1971, Fort Rucker, Ala.; May 12, 1971 left for Vietnam. Killed in Action June 1, 1971 Quang Tri Vietnam; Pauls remains were excavated 2009 and identified earlier this year. His unit: 158th Aviation Battalion, 160th Aviation Group, 101st Airborne Division.During high school Paul lettered in wrestling 1962 and track 1961-1963; first place divisional record of one-mile run. Also involved with several other activities, i.e. Key Club, Letterman Club. During his brief service years (less than two), he received many medals, among them: Army Good Conduct, Basic Aviator Flight School, Basic Parachutist Badge, Expert Badges as Marksman and Sharpshooter, and in the end Knight Fifth Class (Vietnam Cross), Gallantry Cross with Palm (Vietnam medal), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star medal, and Purple Heart.Paul was an adventurous lad, nothing was too hard, nothing he would not try. He loved to tease and torment his nieces and nephews endlessly. He liked fast cars, motorcycles, hiking and climbing. He has been dearly missed. All are at peace and celebrate his coming home.His father, Fred W, Magers Sr. died 1991 and his wife Beverly died 1998. Survivors include his mother, Cecilia Farris Magers; brothers, Fred (Lucy) and Lester Magers of Billings and Martin (Cindy) Magers of Kalispell; sisters, Vada (Jack) Kuhlman of Huntley and Marla (Everett) Mohatt of Sheridan, Wyo.; many nieces and nephews, and great- and great-great nieces and nephews.We would like to thank all those military personnel from the excavators until his arrival, especially Lt. Col. Wolf, Capt. Juntunen, Maj. Crowe and Lt. Bushnell for their assistance these past few weeks. For all the loving veterans who have also given for their country, to Vietnam Veterans of America, to Fischer House, to Holy Rosary Church and those providing the luncheon.A vigil service will be held at Dahl Funeral Home Thursday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m.; a memorial mass will be celebrated Friday, Aug. 27, at 10:30 a.m. in Holy Rosary Church; military honors and interment at the Yellowstone County Veterans Cemetery outside of Laurel.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Paul G. Magers Scholarship, Billings Catholic Schools, P.O. Box 31158, Billings, MT 59107 or Fischer House Foundations Inc., 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, MD 20850-5168.Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com.