On April 20th, 2016, GOD called Paul home. Paul Robert Bellinger, a resident of Early, TX, was born to Sidney and Grace Bellinger on August 19th, 1957, in Schenectady, NY. When Paul was 20, he accepted our Lord JESUS CHRIST as his savior. Paul’s life exemplified service to others as it is written “Submit to one another out of reverance for CHRIST,” Ephesians 5:21.
He served our country for 5 years in the Air Force before being discharged for kidney failure. Paul survived life-threatening health issues for the next 35 years, and after graduating McMurry University in 1986 he served the community as a social worker in the mental health field until 2003. Paul was as a spiritual leader at Early First United Methodist Church, before following his true calling to serve as a licensed local minister for the United Methodist Church. Paul pastored Communidad De Fe in Ballinger, TX, and Gorman First United Methodist Church. The Epiphany Ministry held a special place in his heart as he could help incarcerated youth find GOD’s love. He mentored the youth along with teaching faith based anger management at the Ron Jackson Unit.
Paul married Deborah Beifus (nee Olson) on September 5th, 1998 at Early First United Methodist Church. She served by his side in his ministries. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jacqueline Green, as well as his daughter Riea Bellinger. He is survived by his wife Deborah Bellinger of Early, TX; ex-wife and friend Mariea Bellinger of Abilene, TX; children James Bellinger of Abilene, TX; Michael Bellinger and fiancée Kendra Simmons of Abilene, TX; Karl Beifus of Early, TX; Daniel Beifus and wife Yuri of King George, VA; Kevin Beifus and wife Chelsea of Andrews AFB, MD; Dolli Latham of Libby, MT; and Kelda Latham-Bennett and husband Dirk of Lawton, OK. His surviving brothers and sisters include John Bellinger of Ballston Spa, NY; Cindy Cornell of Medical Lake, WA; Denise Galarneau of Saratoga Springs, NY; Shelley Willette of Ballston Spa, NY; David Bellinger of Ballston Spa, NY; Cathy Green of Arcadia, FL; Dotty Brooks of Arcadia, FL; and Charles Cornell of Chazy, NY. Paul has 16 grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly, and many loved friends throughout the community. Visitation will be held at Heartland Funeral Home on Friday April 22nd, 2016, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Paul’s Celebration of Life will be held at Early First United Methodist Church on Saturday April 23rd, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. with lunch to follow.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net.
Heartland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.