Paul E. Faurote, 87, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his residence, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, following an extended illness. He was born on April 24, 1938, in Decatur, Indiana, to the late Henry J. and Mary (Braun) Faurote. On August 1, 1964, Paul married Sue Ann “Susie” Baker, who survives.
Paul proudly served his country as a U.S. Army veteran and went on to become a licensed real estate agent, broker, and home builder whose impact on the community spanned decades. He built his first home in 1963, but his passion for building began much earlier—at just seven years old, when he packed mud as “concrete” for his first foundation, a fitting preview of his future. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Paul founded Faurote/Fox Builders and later opened Prestige Realty, which continues today with more than 60 years of service to the community. In 1985, his daughter, Missy Burkhalter, joined him in the family business, and together they worked as partners until Paul’s retirement in 2023. Over the years, Paul also owned and operated several other small businesses, including Economy Auto Sales near the West End and Grandma’s Country Store on Second Street.
A devoted member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Paul was often seen attending daily Mass or lighting a candle in prayer for others. He was also active in numerous civic and service organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, Moose, Elks, Eagles, and VFW all of Decatur.
Paul loved to travel and created lasting memories with his family through many motorhome trips across the United States, as well as a cherished trip to Italy with his wife, Susie. He had a deep appreciation for classic cars and motorcycles, frequently visiting the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum and returning home with stories to share. Paul also took immense pride in his role as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His love was evident in the many projects he built for his family—baseball fields, basketball courts, ice rinks, go-kart tracks, tennis courts, and playhouses—each a testament to his creativity and devotion.
Paul is survived by his wife Susie of 62 years and his five children: Missy (Kevin) Burkhalter of Decatur; Nicole (Chris) Johnson of Fort Wayne; John (Jenny) Faurote of Indianapolis; Jesse (Missy) Faurote of Decatur; and Andy Faurote of Decatur. He is also survived by his sister, Josephine Beauchot of Decatur.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Vinnie Faurote, Carl “Cocky” Faurote, Tony Faurote, and Fritz Faurote; and two sisters, Mary Welker and Henrietta Trentadue.
Paul is also survived by his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Elizabeth (Michael) Buuck and their children Lila, Griffin, Maggie, and Barrett; Parker Burkhalter and his son Cael Burkhalter, and Bentley Burkhalter; Dr. Patrick (Jade) Veerkamp and their children Beckett, Brooke, and Baker; Dr. Evan (Macy) Feichter and their children Tate, Teagan, Talan, and Tillie; Aliviah and Melanie Faurote; Nicholas (Amanda) Faurote and their daughter Sylvie Jo; Grace Faurote; Paul (Lexi) Faurote; and Emelia (Emy) Faurote.
Also surviving are Paul’s sisters-in-laws, Joyce Faurote, Sharon Walters, Buddie (Dean) Lehman, Dodie (Greg) Litchfield.
In accordance with Paul’s wishes, there will be a reciting of the holy rosary at 10:40 am prior to a mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Decatur, Indiana, followed by burial at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be hosted by the family immediately following the services at the American Legion Post #43 in Decatur.
Preferred memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School or to the American Legion Post #43, both in Decatur.
Divine Mercy Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Paul E. Faurote. Memorials may be arranged through Divine Mercy Funeral Home in Fort Wayne at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com or through Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur at 520 N. 2nd Street in Decatur, IN 46733.
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