John Richard Paulson, 90, of Hutchinson, died December 30, 2020, at Hospice House. He was born July 11, 1930, on the family homestead near Lindsborg, to Nils George and Ellen Amalia (Karlsson) Paulson.

John graduated from Lindsborg High School in 1948 while also working on the family farm after losing his father at the age of 8. He was very involved in McPherson County 4-H, winning many awards that led to a National Alumni Award and a trip to Washington, DC. After high school, John continued working on the farm and rough-necked in the oil fields before being drafted into the United States Army in 1953. He served on Guam, building runways during the Korean War.  After his honorable discharge in 1955, John attended Kansas State University on the GI Bill, graduating in Economics.

On February 10, 1960, he married Kay Gloria Steele, in McPherson. They shared nearly 60 years of marriage before her death on January 14, 2019.

John then worked for J.E. Steele Sand & Gravel before branching out on his own. John and Kay started Gravel Products, Inc. in 1962. After adding a concrete plant in 1986, the name was changed to Gravel & Concrete, Inc. John was the entrepreneurial spirit, engineer, and hands-on backbone of the company.

He was a true purple K-State fan and an avid outdoorsman in work and play: hunting, fishing, and feeding birds from the palm of his hand. John was a lifetime member of the American Legion and a founding member of Kansas Aggregate Producers Association. He donated generously to the Kansas 4-H Foundation and Kansas State University Alumni Association.

John is survived by: daughter, Renee Frazier (Earnest), McPherson; sons, Loren Paulson (Lisa Navarro), Nickerson, Lon Paulson (Susan), Wilmington, NC, Lyle Paulson (Cris), Hutchinson; granddaughters, Brandy Keane, Kayla and Cassie Paulson; grandsons, Eric Frazier (Erin), Aaron Frazier (Molly Whitwell), London, Luke, and Lincoln Paulson; great-grandsons, Trenton and Brayden Keane, Jayden Frazier; brothers, Paul Paulson, Dewey, OK, Arnold Paulson, Lynchburg, VA, Robert Paulson (Maureen), New York, NY; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; sisters, Georgette Leary, Eleanor Randal, Ruth Greer; and great-grandson, Brydon Keane.

Cremation has taken place.

Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, July 3, 2021, at Elliott Chapel. Inurnment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Lindsborg, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard.

The memorial service can be viewed by clicking the link below, which will be live beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

webcast

Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will greet friends prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Kansas 4-H Foundation or the charity of your choice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.