Paul "Darve" Darveaux

PAUL HENRY DARVEAUX was born to Henry and Dolores (Hinners) Darveaux on February 14, 1972, in Perry, Iowa, the tenth child of eleven. Soon afterward the family moved to Pipestone, Minnesota, where Henry had just purchased his own grocery business. 

Because of severe cerebral palsy, Paul lived at the Home for Creative Living in Windom, Minnesota, from age 8 until the end of his life. There Paul thrived with daily enriching activities, dedicated caregivers, and frequent outings in the community.

Paul had a unique way of engaging with the world and made many friends over the years. Even without benefit of words, Paul and his best friend Jessie at the Home would often sit and laugh together over jokes only the two of them shared. He enjoyed crime and forensic television shows and listening to country music. 

Paul was known to flirt with the ladies and collected many hearts along the way, especially among his nurses. He would do whatever it took to get their attention. His favorite outing was a trip to Hooters Girls Pub and he loved “dancing” with girls in his wheelchair. He even dressed up like Dolly Parton one year for Halloween!

Paul “worked” at Cottonwood County Developmental Achievement Center in Windom for several years. He received the City of Windom Mayor’s Award for collecting and crushing recyclables. Paul also won a ribbon at the Special Olympics for throwing a frisbee the farthest. (Well, he actually dropped the frisbee and it rolled the farthest.)

With all his disabilities, Paul brought light and love into the world and touched many souls. His gift to all those who knew and cared for him was the chance to do good work in their own lives and be better humans.

Paul passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at Windom Area Health at the age of 51 years, 7 months and 12 days.

Paul is lovingly remembered by his siblings: Daniel (Rita) Darveaux of Austin, Minnesota, Sandra Ramplin of Omaha, Nebraska, Gary (Jacqueline) Darveaux of Fort Mill, South Carolina, Michele Darveaux of Plymouth, Minnesota, Timothy (Dorothy) Darveaux of Pipestone, Minnesota, Thomas (Paula) Darveaux of Pipestone, Minnesota, Robert (Pamela) Darveaux of Show Low, Arizona, Richard (Dana) Darveaux of Clear Lake, Iowa, Mark (Lisa) Darveaux of St. Cloud, Minnesota, Nicole (John) Bryan of Apple Valley, Minnesota; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and brother- and sisters-in-law. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Dolores Darveaux, and nephew David Darveaux.

Memorials will be directed by Paul's family to the Pipestone Catholic Daughters of America, Court Saint John 1371.