Paul Thomas Mydler

Paul Thomas Mydler, of Saint Charles, MO, born October 11, 1935, passed away Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the age of 88. Beloved husband of Vietta Anne “V’Anne” Mydler, nee Sutter; cherished son of the late Josephine Elizabeth, nee Ceglinski and Thomas Walter Mydler; devoted father of Thomas "Todd" (Kris) Mydler, Vietta Mary (Jim) O'Shea, and Venetia (Steve) Powell; loving grandfather of William "Will" (Eva) O'Shea, Ariana (Greg) Benes, Larissa O'Shea, Brenna O'Shea, Skyler Mydler, and Wyatt Thomas Powell 

After graduating from Christian Brothers College High School (CBC) in 1953, he went on to graduate from Washington University-Saint Louis in 1957 with his degree in Mechanical Engineering. During that time as an accomplished accordion player, Paul played with a band at local halls and wedding receptions to help pay for school. After college, Paul proudly and honorably served in the United States Army as a 1st Lieutenant. Upon leaving the United States Army in Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, he returned to Missouri where he and V’Anne began their married life of 64 years. They bought their first home in Saint Charles, MO and never left. During his first job with Portland Cement, he began night school at Saint Louis University where he received his MBA. He then began a long and respected career as the first Air Pollution Control Director for the City of Saint Louis. 

Paul was a devoted member of the South Main Preservation Society of Saint Charles, a board member of the Air Pollution Control Association, Pershing Rifles of Christian Brothers College High School, and Ducks Unlimited. Paul was also a volunteer of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. V'Anne and Paul worked tirelessly to preserve the historic structures along South Main Street, Saint Charles. 

In 1981, they purchased their first property off the City auction block, saving it from demolition. The building was restored to become Boone’s Lick Trail Inn, circa 1842; a meticulous restoration over six years. Paul committed nearly 45 years of his life to the preservation of the historic resources of St. Charles City and County. In the early 1970s, his efforts were combined with those early pioneers of historic preservation in St. Charles to establish guidelines that would govern the future protection and redevelopment of historic districts and structures in the city. As a member of the Historic Landmarks Preservation Review Board in St. Charles for over 12 years, he was recognized with a certificate for Lifetime Personal Achievement in Preservation in 2016 for his efforts to preserve the historic character and buildings in St. Charles. 

Paul’s vision for educational and recreational reuse of land resulted in the Weldon Springs Interpretive Site in St. Charles County after he served as the senior Commissioner on the Weldon Springs Citizen Clean Up Site for the Department of Energy, and the establishment of the MKT Trail (Katy Trail) a 230-mile state park in Missouri. 

He loved spending time at his duck club, Set Wings in North Saint Charles County and hunting on his family farm in Southern Illinois where he acquired an additional 400 acres of land to add to the original family homestead of 100 acres. An avid collector of working duck decoys, Paul was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Paul instilled in his children the importance of the pursuit of higher education. He always said, “Education is something that can never be taken away from you.” His passion for his family, his dogs, everything Louisiana, reading historical books and hunting magazines, his farm, and duck club will forever be embedded in our memories of Paul’s character highly influenced by his Polish heritage. Paul Mydler lived his life the way he wanted to live and did not waver on those things that meant the most to him; his wife, children and grandchildren and duck hunting, of course. 

Memorials may be made in Paul's name to the Missouri Department of Conservation https://mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/donate.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 6, 2024, from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Baue Funeral Home St. Charles, 620 Jefferson Street, St. Charles, MO 63301. Funeral Mass Saturday, September 7, 2024, 9:30 am at St. Stanislaus Polish Catholic Church, 1430 North 20th Street, St. Louis, MO 63106. Immediately following Mass, Visitation from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at Campagna Funeral Home, 45 NW Railroad Street, Ashley, IL. 62808. Interment following at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, South Third Street, Radom, IL 62808.