Paul James Pollock

Paul Pollock, 80, of Tipton, passed away Friday, September 12, 2025, at his home.

He was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon, a son of Rev. Floyd and Ruth (Schlaak) Pollock. Growing up as a pastor’s kid, frequent moves left him rebellious for a time. Though adventurous and sometimes reckless in his youth, Paul always felt God’s hand upon him and in adulthood he allowed God to “catch” him, rededicating his life fully to the Lord. Family was always close to Paul’s heart. Unless his mission work or later health challenges kept him away, he made every effort to be present for the milestones in the lives of his loved ones.

Paul’s greatest joy was knowing Christ as his Lord and Savior and serving others as Jesus would. He was a baptized believer and faithfully worshipped at Fortuna Baptist Church. Throughout his life, Paul answered the call to spread the Gospel alongside his wife, Janet, serving together as a team in many corners of the world. Their ministry included supporting the work of Evangelism Explosion in Southeast Asia, Wycliffe Bible Translators in Nigeria, and JAARS in Waxhaw, North Carolina, which took Paul to Ghana, West Africa. He also served as building coordinator for Evangelism Explosion in Fiji and Jordan, and for CAMA Services in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

After returning stateside, Paul and Janet continued their service at Mokahum Discipleship Center in northern Minnesota and Keystone Discipleship Center in Keystone, South Dakota. They were also privileged to join Life of Hope Ministries on several trips to the ghettos of Guatemala City, Guatemala, where they shared the love of Jesus with children and families.

Paul was a man of many talents and careers, working in banking, construction, farming turkeys, and home renovations. He loved the outdoors, especially kayaking on rivers, hiking, and sailing. One of his greatest adventures was sailing the South Pacific for a year on his trimaran, accompanied by his cat, “Buckwheat.” He also enjoyed running marathons in Hawaii.

Paul’s life was marked by joy, gratitude, and a steadfast thankfulness for the saving grace of God through His Son, Jesus. His smile, helping hand, and servant’s heart touched countless people across the world. His life mattered deeply—to God, to his family, and to the many people whose lives he enriched. He will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his wife Janet of the home; four stepchildren, Eric (Amy) Knipp of Independence, MO, Evan Knipp of Tipton, MO, Andrew (Amanda) Knipp of Gravois Mills, MO, Ingrid (Brian) Knipp of Ft. Myers, FL; three grandchildren, Julian (Irish) Holtmeyer, Caleb Holtmeyer, Katelyn (Marlon) McAllister; nine step-grandchildren, Andrea Knipp, Kramer (Josh) Cox, Jack Knipp, Clyde (Taylor) Knipp, Skylar Wilson, Cade Knipp, Brady Wilson, Phoebe Wilson, and Oliver Wilson; three great-grandchildren, Elise, Mylen, and Uhtred; two step-great-grandchildren, Briella Jo, and Audie Elizabeth; two nieces, Victoria Ragsdale-Howard, and Crystal Pollock Howell; one nephew, Dexter Henderson.

In addition to both of his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter, Natalie Beal; three siblings, James Pollock, Robert Pollock, and Eileen Ragsdale; one nephew, Rick Ragsdale.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Fortuna Baptist Church. Memorial services will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to Fortuna Baptist Church for mission work.