Paul L. Stahlman, age 87, of West Des Moines, Iowa, and formerly of Nevada, Iowa, died Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at Fountain West Health Center in West Des Moines.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 21, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church in Nevada, with Pastor Chris Waddle officiating.  Burial will follow in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery, with military honors by William F. Ball Post No. 48 of the American Legion.  Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, November 20, 2016, at Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada. 

Born January 21, 1929, in Nevada, Paul Leonard Stahlman was the son of Harvey and Ethlyn (Lock) Stahlman.  He grew up and received his education in Nevada, then attended Simpson College in Indianola.  Paul served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1954.

On May 6, 1956, he was united in marriage to Maxine Spading.  The couple shared a special bond and commitment to each other and was blessed with three children, Jane, David, and John. 

Paul was a partner in the Dahl’s Food Market chain for many years and made his home in Des Moines and later in Kansas City.  He was a member of the Lions Club for over 50 years, and also was involved in Shriner’s International, Royal Arch Masons, the American Legion, and Elks Club. 

Family time was important to Paul, as evidenced by many happy memories made boating and building a cabin at Lake Ponderosa.  He and Maxine enjoyed spending time at Lake of the Ozarks.  Paul’s classic cars, including a Willys, Mercury, and Mustang, were an additional source of pleasure and earned him several trophies at area car shows.

Survivors include three children, Jane (Dave) Washington of Elkhart, David (Sue) Stahlman of Plymouth, MN, and John (Karen) Stahlman of Plano, TX; six grandchildren, Sarah (Matt) Carufel, Andy Stahlman, Anna Washington, John Washington, Emily Washington, and Lauren Stahlman; a niece, Sandy (Ron) Otto; and a nephew, Steve (Marty) Stahlman.

He was preceded in death by his wife Maxine in 1997; his parents; and a brother and his wife, Junior and Winifred Stahlman. 

Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Paul and his family.