Donald Elwood Paulley

Donald E. Paulley, 77 of Saint Paul, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by those he loved on March 7th, 2026.

Donald was born on October 24th, 1948 in Brooklyn, New York, to Harold Paulley and Anna Emig. He was their only child, and his parents often took him to enjoy plays and music in New York. These experiences incited a passion for music in him at an early age, with him learning to play the trumpet, accordion, and organ. He also developed a love for rock n' roll, enjoying the music of bands such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in June of 1965, where he took courses that focused on engineering. He later went to St. John's College where he studied for two years before joining the Air Force.

Donald joined the Air Force on June 19th, 1968. He was an active duty service member in the Vietnam War from 1968-1972, at which point he was honorably discharged. He then went on to enlist in the reserves for 2 more years. While in the Air Force, he served as a munitions maintenance specialist and explosives operator. He was proud to serve his country, earning the Air Force commendation medal for his meritorious service, and achieving the rank of Sergeant.

After his time in the military, Donald went on to work for Control Data in Minnesota for close to 18 years as a munitions programmer. While there, he met his late wife Judy Milham. He then worked as a bus driver for Greyhound bus service for nearly 17 years, receiving an award for 10 years of safe and excellent driving. Later, after retiring in 2010, he would still reminisce about his journeys as a bus driver through Montana, Colorado, the Dakotas, and all around the mid-west. He loved recounting his driving experiences to anyone who would listen.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; his second wife, Judy Milham; his first wife, Cindy Garbe; and his grandson, Shawn Steiner.

He is survived by his children, Elaine Garbe, Theresa Garbe, and Adam Garbe; his stepchildren, Kelly Milham, and Keith Milham; his grandchildren, Chloe Moore, Jack Moore, and Lucas Garbe.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Donald on Sunday, April 26th at 2 pm, with public viewing at 1 pm. The service will be held at Bradshaw Funeral Home on Rice St. in Saint Paul.
After the service, an informal get together will be held at Obb's Bar in Saint Paul from 3:15pm-5pm.

A military interment service will be held at Fort Snelling on Monday, April 27th at 1 pm, where he will be put in his final resting place next to his late spouse Judy Milham.