On September 6, 2025, in Gladstone, Missouri, a gathering of family, friends, and brothers in arms came together to celebrate the life and memory of BVA Past President Paul Lawrence Mimms. During the heartfelt ceremony and service, family and several close friends told stories and reflected on all Paul was and always will be to them. The memories were touching and left many in tears and occasional bits of laughter.

For me, Paul was a great friend, leader, and mentor. I spent many hours on the phone with him, sometimes late at night as he would get excited by a new idea for growing BVA and providing for our members. Never once did he take on a mission for himself, but always for the BVA flock. He would ask me for my ideas and thoughts, even assigning me to provide them. He would regale me with stories of his life, his memories of his wife Kathleen, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was especially excited to talk about his mother and was truly heartbroken when he lost her. I was able to call Paul on her hundredth birthday, and he allowed me to praise her for raising such a wonderful person. 

Paul was also so excited to bring his sisters on vacation later this year. They will still be going in order to commemorate and remember him.

Paul’s daughter, Paula, transmitted both his funeral service well as his burial service via Facebook Live. The recording remains on her Facebook page. If you have a personal Facebook account, simply type in the name of Paula Mimms in the Search function. Upon reaching her page, scroll down until locating a photo of Paul’s guide dog Shadow, a photo link to the burial service, and then a link to the church service. 

Paul was interred at the Fort Leavenworth, Kansas National Cemetery this past Monday under a cloudless blue sky and warm temperatures. Military veteran motorcycle riders presented a certificate to his daughter and the Navy Ceremonial Team presented Paula with the ceremonial U.S. Flag. As expected, the cemetery is beautifully maintained, solemn, and a place of reverence. According to Heartland Regional Group President Jeanie Murphy, Paul had a Bronze Braille U.S. Flag that he was planning on donating to the Cemetery.

BVA was represented in person by National President Wade Davis and wife Brenda, me (Vice President Tracy Ferro) and wife Kathy, Director of District 2 Ann Dixon, Heartland Regional Group President Jeanie Murphy and husband Robert, Executive Director Vernon Humphrey, National Outreach Director Teresa Galgano, Sheldon McKinney, Joseph Bogart, Tim and Kate Hornik, and Steve Smith.

With deepest sympathies,

Tracy Ferro, BVA National Vice President