Paul V. Mullen

Paul Vandy Mullen was born on October 3, 1924.  His parents were Henry Thomas Mullen and Sarah Frances Mullen. Paul departed this world on March 16, 2021. Paul was born in Washington, D.C. and educated in its public schools.  He graduated from Cardoza High School in 1942.  Paul entered Howard University but was soon drafted due to the entrance of the United States into World War II.  Paul served in the European Theater as well as in the Philippines before being honorably discharged.

Paul was raised in the family’s moving and storage business.  Mullen’s Transfer and Storage was one of several businesses started by Paul’s grandfather, Thomas Henry Mullen and was taken over by Paul’s father, Henry Thomas Mullen.  Paul had worked in the business as a furniture mover as a child, as a teenager, and after the war, as an adult.  Paul took over the management of the business from his father in 1950 and was aided in this endeavor by his wife, Elaine and his sister, Amanda.  Paul continued to work as he aged and only began to pull back on his involvement in 2001 at the age of 77.  Pulling back though meant that he was still driving himself to work and answering the phone.  This he did until he turned 88 years old.

Paul’s father, Henry Thomas Mullen was one of the founders of Simpson African Methodist Episcopal Church and as such, Paul was raised in the church.  Paul continued his involvement with the church after the congregation merged with Hamline United Methodist Church.   Paul has the distinction of being a member of the church longer than any other member.

Paul’s favorite way to relax was to go fishing.  He loved fishing near Chincoteague, Virginia; Lewes, Delaware; and Bimini, Bahamas.  He was very proud of the blue marlin he caught while participating in the August 6, 1968 Bimini Native Fishing Tournament. That fish was 90 inches long and weighed 107 pounds.

In 1948, Paul Vandy Mullen married Elaine Cynthia Pace.  Their marriage lasted 45 years and ended with her predeceasing him.  From this union five children were born:  Kirk, Michael, June, Jo Anne, and Henry.

Paul outlived all of his siblings.  In order of birth they were Henry, William, Amanda, James, and Robert.  Paul leaves to mourn him four sons; Paul Mullen, Jr., Kirk Mullen, Michael Mullen, and Henry Mullen and two daughters; June Mullen Adams and Jo Anne Mullen Johnson.  He also leaves ten grandchildren, four great grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and in-laws and friends and a special friend, Ms. Elizabeth Saunders.

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