Paul B. Camp

Paul B. Camp May 5, 1933-August 5, 2023 Paul passed from a brief battle with lung cancer at home with family and his loyal dogs by his side. He is survived by his wife, Claudia; his daughter, Holly and son in law Tim Fagan; his grandchildren, Whitlee & Sydnee Fagan; his sister, Fawn Heil; his twin brother, John; his sister, Gail Adrian; Lucky Louque who was like a son; and extended family Lynne and Dias Turner, Rebecca, Tony and Landon Cacioppo, Chris, Sally, Vivian and Hadlee Berry. Paul was born in Charlotte, IA. He and his brother grew up working on the family farm, getting up before sunrise to milk cows. After high school, he put his thumb out and went to Yellowstone where he worked in the lodge. In 1952, he joined the Army and was sent to Korea. There he calculated large gun targeting and received the Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged in 1956 at the rank of SGT. He went home to drive a truck with his father and brother and soon joined a moving company traveling coast to coast. On April 25, 1958 he took his first flying lesson in a Champ and was hooked. After several lessons, he realized he wanted more and decided to attend a professional pilot’s school called Ross Aviation in Tulsa. On November 25, 1959, he passed his check ride. He continued toward Commercial Rating and received that in March 1961. In April, he received his Instructors Rating. At this time, he was a Commercial Pilot, Flight & Ground Instructor and Link trainer. He soon got a job flying from FBO to FBO selling aircraft parts. He moved to Dallas in 1962, and this is when he met Claudia. He set up a flight school at Air Haven in 1963 and received his Multi-engine and Instrument Rating. On August 22, 1964 he and Claudia were married in Las Vegas. In ’66, he became an FAA Pilot Examiner, and in February 1967, he opened his own Flight School at Hwy 77 called Campaul. In 1969, he helped the Green brothers design the Lancaster Airport, and in May 1970 he became the Airport Manager. In March of 1971, Paul and Claudia welcomed Holly. In 1973, he resigned as Manager and began assisting Lucky at L&L Aircraft by picking up damaged aircraft to be repaired for Insurance Companies. Through that in 1974, Air Salvage of Dallas was born. To this day people visit Air Salvage to talk about Paul teaching them to fly or giving them or their father a check ride. Paul didn’t just work and fly, he was a very loving man who enjoyed time at his house in Matagorda on the Texas coast, fishing in the surf and bays catching redfish and trout. His family, friends, and industry associates spent a lot of time there catching fish and making memories. He also enjoyed shooting trap and skeet and made many lifelong friends through the Desoto Gun Club. At 90, Paul continued to go to work at ASOD until a month before his death. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 Thursday, August 10th, at Byrum Funeral Home in Lancaster with a Celebration of Paul’s life beginning at 10:30 followed by graveside in Edgewood Cemetery in Lancaster. In lieu of flowers: donate to your favorite animal rescue, The American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Paul B. Camp

May 5, 1933 - August 5, 2023