Paul Otto Aust was born Easter Sunday, March 29, 1964. Paul was the first born of eight children to Erwin and Patricia Aust. Paul was always busy and adventurous, active in school, participating in football, wrestling, track, choir and playing the tenor saxophone in marching and concert band. Paul received the "Semper Fidelis" Award for his diligence, dedication, and musical excellence.

After graduation from Shenandoah High School, Class of 1982, Paul went on to Iowa State University. There he studied Agricultural Business, joined the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, enlisted in the Army ROTC program and the Iowa National Guard, and played on the Iowa State Rugby team.

Upon graduation from Iowa State University, Paul received his commission as a second lieutenant and reported for duty at Fort Benning, GA. While at Fort Benning he met the love of his life, Valerie. Soon after they were married, they were deployed to Germany for a tour of duty. In Germany his son Aaron was born. Upon returning to the U.S., to Bowdon, Georgia; daughter, Alexandra 'Ali' was born. Paul retired from Synovus Bank and completed service in the Army Reserve with a rank of Major. While managing the physical limitations from Ataxia, Paul remained active in the American Legion, Sons of American Legion, Knights of Columbus 4th degree, the National Ataxia Foundation, and numerous civic and service organizations.

On the morning of July 5, at the age of 55, Paul passed away suddenly due to cardiac arrest. Paul was preceded in death by his grandparents and sister Tiffany. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Valerie of Columbus GA, son Aaron from Columbus GA, and daughter Alexandra from Knoxville TN. Parents Ernie and Pat Aust from Shenandoah IA, sisters Annamarie Wagner (Greg) from Dublin OH, Theresa Simonetti (Marco) from Chicago IL, Angela Nosworthy (Chris) from Olathe KS, Michele DeSmet (Chris) from Omaha NE, and brothers Mark (Julie) from Glenwood IA and John (Julie) from Kansas City MO. Mother in law Jean Daniel (Wesley), sisters in law Renee Roth and Angie Benoit (Steve), and brother in law Dana Sudduth (Amy) all from Columbus GA, along with 34 nieces and nephews, and many relatives and friends.

Paul's leadership, love, and dedication will be truly missed by his family and friends.

A memorial mass will be held 6:00 p.m., Friday, August 9, 2019 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah. Visitation and reception with the family will be held following the memorial mass in the Parish Hall at the church. Memorials may be directed to the National Ataxia Foundation.