Obituary - Paul E. Prior

Paul E. Prior was born May 27, 1945 in Denver, Colorado to Leon R. Prior and Louise M. (Wollenweber) Prior. Paul went into the arms of his Lord and Savior on December 12, 2021 in Henrico, Virginia. Paul is preceded in death by his parents and is survived by two sons: Chris Prior (Yvette) of Henrico, VA and Chad Prior (Chrissy) of Perry Hall, MD. He is also survived by his brother, Lloyd (Margo) of Carmichael, CA, sister, Gayle (Bill Proud) of Mancos, CO, six grandchildren, Brogan (Chase Petrone), Chad, Cade, Jake, Evan, and Sean, and two great-grand children, Thea Rae and James. Paul had many supportive friends including Paul Sparks (Sparky, former colleague), Memory Wollenweber (cousin and confidant), and Wes Wollenweber (nephew and friend).

Paul attended schools in Omaha, NE and Denver, CO and was an accomplished musician at a young age. He was accepted into the school of music at Adams State University and married Nancy Wiescamp in 1966 (later divorced). After obtaining an undergraduate degree in 1967 and a Master’s of Music Degree in 1968, he became the band director at Cherry Creek High School in Denver, CO. Paul then went into the insurance business, where he successfully worked for 30+ years and eventually moved to Kansas City, KS to work as a Regional Director before retiring to the East Coast.

Throughout his life Paul continued to play trumpet as he loved sharing his gift of music. He played trumpet with his Dixieland band, sometimes opened for sporting events, played with various church bands, and performed solos at business parties.

Paul enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, playing golf, and dining out with clients and colleagues. In his later years, Paul’s faith in God blossomed and he had some special connections at Velocity Church (Mike, John, James B., The Martins, The Woods, etc.).

Cremation has occurred and a celebration of life service will be held at Velocity Christian Church, 3300 Church Road, Henrico, VA on January 22, 2022 at 3:00 pm. Instead of flowers, memorial donations may be made out to Fresh Start Single-Mother’s Ministry at Velocity Church in Henrico, VA.