Paul Mckerahan

Paul Robert McKerahan passed away March 26, 2016 at Eckerd Living Center in Highlands, NC. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, March 30, 1923, he was the 2nd son of the late Maud Louise Compton and Robert Clark McKerahan of Springs, PA.

In June of 1944, he joined the Army, serving in WWII in Company K, 333rd Infantry of the 84th Infantry Division, known as The Rail-Splitters. In February of 1945, he sustained life threatening injuries when an enemy compression grenade landed in the artillery box of the foxhole that he and his fellow serviceman, Guy Mcwreath, were in. He immediately threw himself on top of his buddy and took the brunt of the blast. With his legs, arms and backside peppered with shrapnel and bullets, he was facing certain death without immediate medical attention which was on the opposite side of the Roer River. As he was being carried on a stretcher into the river, he passed out upon entering the freezing waters, and due to Army orders, anyone with injuries that was unconscious was to be left for dead. Mcwreath then saved Paul's life by personally carrying him across the river to receive the medical help he needed. Paul received two Purple Hearts, a Silver Medal and a Bronze Medal for his heroic actions.

After many years of surgeries and physical struggles, and several entrepreneurial pursuits, he moved the family to Cherokee, NC. There he worked as Plant Safety Manager at The Cherokee Indian Agency for The Bureau of Indian Affairs from 1963 until his retirement in 1986, when he was designated Honorary Chief of the Cherokee Indians. He was known for always lending a helping hand, and donating generously with his time and expertise to various architectural projects in and around Cherokee, NC.

A dual service will be held to celebrate Paul's life, 2:00 PM on April 25, 2016 at WNC VA Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC, along with his wife of nearly 62 years, Mildred Bates McKerahan, of Shelby, NC, who passed away January 11, 2008.

He was also preceded in death by a son, Robert C. McKerahan of Cherokee, NC, and by his brother, D.C. McKerahan of Portland, OR.

He is survived by daughter, Terri McKerahan Jones, and her husband, Winslow, of Cashiers, NC; 4 grand-children, Tina Stevenson of Jacksonville, FL, Paul Starnes of Houston, TX, Bay Jones of Charlotte, NC, and Edgar Jones, of Cashiers, NC; 4 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren.

To leave a condolence for the family of Paul McKerahan, please visit "obituaries" at www.moore-fh.com .

Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations are caring for the family.