Mr. Laut belonged to the first graduating class of Belleville Junior College. He retired from General American Life Insurance Co., where he worked as the accounting manager for more than 31 years. He served as Past Exalted Ruler and Past District Deputy with the Belleville Elks. Paul was also a member of the Belleville-Swansea Moose Lodge, the Belleville Exchange Club, the Belleville Jaycees, and the Eagle Scouts. Mr. Laut was a U. S. Army veteran, served in the Battle of the Bulge, and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War.
Paul was preceded in death by a daughter, Toni Phillips; his parents, Elmer P. Laut Sr. and Idel, nee Smith, Laut; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roy and Mary, nee Bryant, Phillips; and a brother-in-law, Russell Phillips.
Surviving are his wife of 73 years, Christine V. Laut, nee Phillips, whom he married on July 24, 1948; two daughters, Terry Colosi, of St. Louis, MO, and Jody (Jim Reyes) Reimler, McKinney, TX; and a brother-in-law, Elgee (Jeanette) Phillips.
Memorials may be made to the Elks National Foundation. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Monday, February 21, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL. An Elks ritual will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, February 21, 2022, at the funeral home. Masks are required
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Monday, February 21, 2022, from George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Burial will be held at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.