Paul J. Gustat

Paul J. Gustat, age 92, of Sebring, Florida, died Thursday, October 17, 2013, at The Palms of Sebring with his wife of almost 70 years at his side. Paul was born May 19, 1921, to Peter J. and Jennie (Sheppard) Gustat, in El Paso, Texas and moved to Sebring in 1926. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and received his bachelor's degree in music from Florida Southern College. He returned to Sebring as Band Master of the Sebring High School Band, taking over those duties from his father. Under Paul's direction, the SHS band continued and strengthened its reputation as a consistently outstanding high school ensemble. Paul was a member of Florida Bandmasters Association, an author and has a middle school in Sebring that carries his name. He was a member of First United Methodist Church; Rotary; Sebring Firemen; Sebring Historical Society; Elks; VFW and Phi Beta Mu. Paul is survived by his wife, Merrilou (aka "Skee"); sons John and wife Michelle of Roaming Shores, Ohio; Stephen of Corozal, Belize; David and wife Donna of Seattle, Washington and daughter, Leslye and spouse Brooke of Toluca Lake, California; ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, patriarch and mentor for so many who made music an integral part of their lives. A Funeral Service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Sebring on Wednesday, October 23, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends the hour preceding the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Paul's good humor and kind manner will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Paul J. Gustat Music Fund c/o the School Board of Highlands County, 426 School St., Sebring, FL 33870. This fund will supply musical instruments to promising students. Please call (863) 471-5664 to arrange your contribution. Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home Sebring, Florida 33870 863-385-0125 www.stephensonnelsonfh.com