Paul Adolf Matthaus, 78, of Krum passed away Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at the Faith Presbyterian Hospice in Dallas, Texas. He was born on July 6, 1940 in the former East Germany to Paul and Margaret Matthaus.

In 1955, the family escaped from the East German side with only what they could each take in an over night bag.  From 1956 to 1959, he competed a three-year apprenticeship in the former West Germany with a master blacksmith.  In 1971, he was issued his green card so that he could come America.  He lived with his sister's, Waltraut Depuhl's family in Charleston, SC.  When the Depuhl's left to move back to Germany, Paul went to Atlanta and then to West Texas where he worked as a welder.  He also made artistic designs in his spare time.  In 1983, he became a US citizen, of which he was very proud.

Paul met his future wife in 1984 and married Dr. Rebecca Johnston on May 10, 1986 in Denton. His business that he started in 1986 was named Paul's Forge and later Lone Star Forge to represent the blacksmith work and the commercial welding that he did.

He loved to work with metal and made many beautiful pieces for both the home and garden.  His pieces varied from functional pieces such as fireplace tools, tables, and candlesticks to abstract art.  He said in one of the newspaper articles done about him that "all my pieces are unique and original because they are handmade."  He loved what he did even though traditional blacksmith work with a coal forge, hammer and anvil was a dying art.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents.

Paul is survived by his wife Rebecca Johnston-Matthaus; his sister-in- law, Betty Johnston; his nephew, Jesse Sankey; and many friends in this country.  He is also survived by his German family members including his sister Waltraut Depuhl; her husband, Siegried Depuhl; their daughter, Nicole Depuhl; and son Steven Depuhl.  Other family in Germany include his brothers Eberhard Matthaus; Dieter Matthaus; their spouses and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 2:30 at the Visual Arts Center in Denton, TX.