Paul Raymond Ping, 89, of O’Fallon, Ill., passed away April 9, 2025 at his home.
Paul was born February 4, 1936 in St. Louis, Mo., to Ivan H. and Hattie, nee Elson, Ping. He grew up on a farm and graduated from the O’Fallon Township High School Class of 1954. He was proud to be part of the Panthers’ Hall of Fame championship basketball team. Paul served in the US Army Reserves from ‘57-‘63.
He had a love of the newspaper industry from a young age, and honed his skill as Pressman at various area newspapers. He worked at The Troy Tribune before purchasing the paper in 1968. Paul was owner/publisher/editor from ’68-’78. In the early 1980s, he helped found The Troy-Times as co-owner/publisher. At the end of the 80s he once again purchased The Troy Tribune and merged the two papers to form The Troy Times-Tribune. Paul sold the newspaper and retired in 2019.
Paul married Marilyn Watts Mowe in 1993, and they lived in Coulterville for several years until moving back to O’Fallon. Paul was proud of his clever “Dad Jokes,” and enjoyed his snacks of Pringles and peanuts.
He was preceded in death by his infant daughter Stephanie Ping; siblings Ivan Ping, Betty Ping, Ann Touchette, Richard Ping, and Elsie Aron; his step-sons Brian Mowe and Rick Mowe; and step-grandson Robbie Mowe.
Paul is survived by his wife Marilyn Ping of O’Fallon; daughter Susan (Jeff) Yates of Troy, son Mark Ping of Troy, daughter Ann (Lee) Van Hoose of Fairview Heights; and bonus daughter Kathleen (Timothy) Green of Wright City, Mo. Also surviving are grandchildren Adam, Eric, and Rachel Yates, Lily Presley-Ping, Aurora and Charlotte Van Hoose, step-grandchildren Michael (Susan) Green, Heather (Adam) Spaeth, Andrew Green, Richie Mowe, Renee Hale, 13 step-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
The family will hold private services at Wolfersberger Funeral Home on April 18, 2025, and he will be laid to rest at O’Fallon City Cemetery, O’Fallon, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Parkinson’s Foundation, American Cancer Society, or charity of your choice.
Condolences may be shared at www.wfh-ofallon.com. Services are entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill.
