Paul W. Woolsey of rural Carlinville died on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 10:30 p.m. in Carlinville.
Paul was born in Ruyle Township, Jersey County, IL in 1939, the first son of Paul A. and Dorothy L. Woolsey. He graduated from Southwestern High School and started a 47-year career with MJM Electric Coop as a lineman, retiring in 2004, as Operations Superintendent.
On September 21, 1959, Paul married Mary Judith Richard in Medora, IL. The couple was married for 65 years and had five children. Paul was a member of the Carlinville Lions Club, and he and his wife were active members of the Hoedowners Square Dance Club in Wood River, IL.
Paul is survived by his children Valerie (Jerry) Smith of Bunker Hill, IL, Melissa (Tony) Kobiella of Elk Grove Village, IL, Michelle (Jeff) Copas of Liberty Township, OH, Paul R. (Angie) of Hettick, IL, and Amy of Carlinville, IL; grandchildren Kristina (Brad) Davenport, Geoff (Rachael) Smith, Danielle (Jacob) Redman, Jacob (Justuce) Smith, Chris (Bailey) Woolsey, Stephanie Woolsey, Patrick Woolsey, Morgan Copas; 16 great-grandchildren; siblings Mary Lou Schmidt, Leona (Os) McAfee, Ruth (Sam) Anderson, Judy Kinnebrew, and Ann (Steve) Ezzo, and his sisters-in-law Janet Woolsey and Jacqueline Richard-Wahle. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, wife Judy, siblings Betty Wieneke, Jim Woolsey, and Doris Scales, and brothers-in-law Doral Schmidt, Bill Wieneke, Jim Kinnebrew, and Larry Wahle.
Friends may call on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton.
Burial will be at Brighton City Cemetery, Brighton, IL
Donations may be made in Paul's name to the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Society.