Paul John Prechel

Paul John Prechel, 91 a longtime cotton farmer in Coolidge passed away peacefully at home with family on Memorial Day- May 25, 2020. Paul was born on February 9, 1929 in Winlock, WA to Harold & Laura Prechel. He was the youngest of 4 children. He was born and raised on the 40-acre family farm and while in school spent 10 years in 4-H and 4 years in FFA prior to graduating from high school in 1947 (third in his class). After high school he went to Washington State College and graduated in 1951 with a bachelor’s in general agriculture. Upon graduating he enrolled in the U.S. Air Force where he became a 1st Lieutenant Navigator Bombardier for the B-26 aircraft, spent a year in the Korean War serving 4 years of active duty and an additional 6 years in the Air Force reserves. While serving in the Reserves he was stationed at Davis Monthan in Tucson, AZ and attended the University of Arizona where he graduated with a master’s degree in Soil Chemistry.
He met his wife, Nancy Nowell while living in Tucson and they were married in 1956. After a brief residence in Blythe, CA they moved to Coolidge where Paul began farming land Nancy’s father owned outside of town. In 1957, their son David Allan was born. In 1970, their daughter Diann Denise was born. Both children were raised in Coolidge, graduated from the University of Arizona and within a couple years after graduating college respectively they joined the family farming operation. Paul & Diann farmed together under "Cotton & Bailey Farms"- named after both of their cats- for the next 19 years. They farmed cotton, wheat, barley, alfalfa and a few other random crops. Both father and daughter traveled across the state and country serving the cotton industry when they were able to escape the fields. Working together had its challenges but overall farming together every day was the best part of their lives.
A year before retirement Paul had a 2nd knee replaced, physical therapy, arm surgery and undergone radiation for skin cancer in the span of 2 months and still managed to climb back on his 2 row cotton picker without AC, missing a front windshield and in 100+ heat because no one else was allowed to harvest his crop. A total "hands on" farmer, he worked from morning to dark every day, plowed the fields, planted the crops, irrigated with siphon tube, prayed and then harvested his crops. He repaired his equipment by welding, fixing and wiring what needed to be done. While working he never looked "presentable and clean" he was a working man and his dirty clothing showed it. He farmed for nearly 55 years.
His civic duties included serving on the Coolidge City Council for nearly 23 years. He was known as the "water expert" of the council, due to his expansive knowledge from farming and education. He hated speed limits and excessive stop signs but did so much over the years to help enhance the city. Over the years he served as Council member & Vice Mayor. In addition to serving Coolidge directly, he also served on various organizations that could help influence the needs of the city and county. These included: Pinal County Governmental Alliance- founding member in the mid 80’s- officer & President, GUAC- Groundwater Users Advisory Council for 11 years, Founding member of the Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority and served 14 years, CAAG- Central AZ Association of Governments and the Pinal County Road Transportation Committee for 18 years. In addition to serving the general community he spent decades serving the agricultural community, these included: River Co-op Gin member for over 50 years- President, VP & Secretary roles, AZ Cotton Growers Board of Director for 32 years, AZ Cotton Research & Protection Council, National Cotton Council, Cotton Incorporated and AZ Farm Bureau. He received many awards and marks of achievements from the many councils, boards and memberships he served over his decades of service. He was Coolidge Cotton days Grand Marshall twice. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 54 in Coolidge and a charter member of Christ Lutheran Church for nearly 60 years.
He was famous in Coolidge for driving around town in his very loaded down farm truck filled to the rim of farm tools and misc. parts. He also made homemade chocolate chip cookies and passed them to all friends and business associates around town each Christmas season.
Once he decided to take the time to enjoy traveling for leisure, he went on several ocean cruises to the Caribbean, Panama Canal and Alaska. He also traveled to Europe twice with his daughter which included his bucket list item of cruising the Rhine River a few years ago at the age of 87. After retirement he started a new hobby of doing 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles and spending time with his loving companion of 11 years, Darlene Sipes. She continued to care for him throughout his final days.
Paul was a gentle soul and the salt of the earth who rarely complained or spoke an ill word of anyone. He saved his words for great purpose and reliable information sharing. He worked hard and long days & nights farming, took care of his family, served his country and community with great pride. He will be deeply missed by those who were blessed to be a part of his life. He raised 2 great children and a daughter that will forever be grateful for the lessons and examples he taught her and will be missed beyond words.
Paul is survived by his daughter, Diann Prechel (Jeff VanHise) of Casa Grande, his loving companion, Darlene Sipes of Coolidge and her family, Leo & Dina Campos of Coolidge and their family and his 3 Grandchildren- Kayley, Lauren and Carter Prechel of Phoenix. He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, son David, Parents Harold & Laura Prechel, Brother Louie Prechel, Sisters Martha Marquardt & Ruth Runland.
Celebration of Life to be held Wednesday June 3rd at Christ Lutheran Church, Coolidge. Visitation at 9am, Services at 10am followed by a Veterans Honor burial at Valley Memorial Park, Coolidge. Those unable to attend services may live stream via FB on the Church’s page or website any time after June 3rd.
In lieu of flowers, please pay it forward and help someone you know that needs a little extra help. Either monetarily or with your time. Its something he did throughout his entire life.
J. Warren is in charge of funeral arrangements.