CMSgt. (Ret.) Paul Joseph Dehm, age 76, of Saucier, Mississippi, passed away on March 3, 2026.

Paul was a proud Vietnam Veteran who devoted his life to serving his country. He served in the United States Air Force, rising to the esteemed rank of Chief Master Sergeant. In 1984, he was honored as the Outstanding Senior Enlisted Administrator of the Year for the entire U.S. Air Force. After retiring from active duty, he continued his service to the nation as a Civil Service Budget Analyst at Keesler Air Force Base. His career encompassed 42 years of total federal service. Upon his second federal retirement in 2012 he received five letters of congratulations—one from each living United States President at the time.

Paul was known for his strong work ethic, devotion to family, and love of life along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He treasured fishing trips for speckled trout and flounder, proudly earning the nickname “Fish Hard” from friends who loved to hear his fishing reports. He also enjoyed family vacations to Walt Disney World, creating memories his loved ones will forever cherish. Paul was an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

He was preceded in death by his parents Warren August Dehm and Irene Theresa Nolan. He is survived by his loving wife, Darlene Dehm; his daughter, Christine Gibson; son-in-law, Jason Gibson; and granddaughter, Paige Gibson; as well as his beloved dog, Reesie. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: George Dehm, Michael Dehm, Warren Dehm, Kathy Short, and Mary Navarro.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 PM, Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Biloxi National Cemetery. A funeral procession will be to the cemetery will begin at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi MS 39531 at 2:00 PM. Those participating should arrive at the funeral home by 1:45 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, Parks, and Marine Foundation (MWFPM Foundation), P.O. Box 14194, Jackson, MS 39236, or online at foundationmwfp.com/donations.

“His greatest joy was found in the love of his family, and his memory will live on in their hearts forever.”