Paul Louis Straub

Paul Louis Straub August 25, 1923 – February 16, 2022 Paul was the eldest son of Cyril and Marie Straub, born minutes before his twin brother Ernest on August 25, 1923. He passed surrounded by his family on February 16, 2022. Paul grew up in Crockett, where he and his brother were known as the “Katzenjammer Kids”. After the death of their mother when the boys were only 13, the whole town kept an eye on Paul and Ernest. The boys romped around from sunrise to sunset, often fishing on the Crockett shores or working at Eckley Pier. The Eckley’s paid them in silver dollars and a warm meal. At 17 he left to join the Navy and served his country during World War II. He served on the Landing Craft Infantry’s 591, 661, and 951 during the Invasion of Southern France in August 1944 and in Cold Bay Alaska in June 1945. He proudly wore his US Navy hat daily until his passing. Upon returning from the war, he went to work at C&H Sugar Refinery where he worked for 40 years. Paul had several hobbies. He enjoyed fishing on a regular basis, often letting one or two of his kids play “hooky” on shutdown Mondays to be his fishing partner. His other love was gambling. He and his brother frequently went to Reno to take advantage of the "free” rooms they were offered for being regulars. They even had a VIP rep that they knew by name, who arranged their rooms and services. In more recent years he enjoyed gambling at Cache Creek up to one week before his passing. After his time serving as a cook in the Navy, Paul continued to share his culinary skills. He was one of the main organizers of the Gourmet Club, which met in the C&H Guest House and provided an opportunity for friends to enjoy a good meal and a game of cards. Paul was always frugal and was proud anytime he found a good deal. He loved a “manager’s special” or a 2-for-1, and if he liked something, everyone knew about it. Paul was a creature of habit and ate a can of sardines, limburger cheese, French bread, and a beer every day for lunch. He knew everything there was to know about artichokes and making a good Manhattan, which he lovingly referred to as his "medicine". His signature dessert was a pineapple upside-down cake. He is survived by his children, David (Kathi) Straub, Debbie (Tim) Straub, Richard (Melinda) Straub, Kathy (Rob) Branch and Sue Straub, grandchildren, Tony, Brian, Sydney (Bryan) and Richie Straub, Paul (Yuko) and Jim (Arianna) Stratford, Loryn (Bashar), Robert (Elise), Kristina (Gary) and Michael Branch and 9 great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents Cyril, Marie, and stepmother Anna, brother Ernest, and wives Barbara and Vera. Viewing will be Monday, February 28th from 4:00-8:00 PM, with a vigil at 6:00 PM at Twin Chapels Mortuary, 1100 Tennessee St., Vallejo. Burial will be private at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Wounded Warriors. Arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo (707) 552-6696 www.TwinChapelsMortuary.com

Paul Louis Straub

August 25, 1923 - February 16, 2022