Paul & Deana Eisenhour
Paul and Deana are both 1982 graduates of Stafford High School. Deana later attended the Kansas School of Floral Design, while Paul attended the school of ‘Hard Knocks’. The two were high school sweethearts and have been married for 41 years! They have remained rooted in Stafford over the years where they raised their three daughters, Kiley, Mandy and Cheyenne, whom they both say are their greatest blessing! They have since been blessed with 8 amazing grandchildren that they absolutely adore!
Paul and Deana are always the first to jump in and help, anywhere and in any way! Over the years, they have been very active in the school and community on many levels. They both volunteer coached many Rec sports while their girls were growing up. Deana later became a junior high cheerleading sponsor and assistant volleyball & basketball coach for several years. When they weren’t busy helping with their kids’ events and activities, they were helping in other areas of the community. Paul and Deana both served on the Saddle Club for 8 years where Paul held the role of President for 2 years and Deana held the role of Treasurer for 2 years. During those years, they helped build the west end of the arena. Deana was also a member of Nu Lambda for 3 years. Deana has been a member of the Oktoberfest Committee for the majority of its years and while Paul may not be an official member, he most definitely shows up and helps wherever he is needed. Both have been members of the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department over the years. Paul has been a member for 24 years and is the current Fire Chief.
Paul has worked at Kanza Coop for 22 years, managing the Dilwyn branch for 6 years and the Stafford branch for 10 years and counting. Deana has worked for the City of Stafford for 25 years in multiple roles, with her current position being the Utility Clerk and Treasurer, but is often dubbed the town mom! While their current careers keep them very much immersed in the community on a daily basis, they also continue to step up and stay involved in so many other ways outside of work. They are usually the first to offer a helping hand when one is needed. Paul is often the first to arrive to a fire, quickly responds when needed to assist an accident or prepare a helicopter landing zone. Often the one who shows up when things are at the worst for people and he offers a calm presence and efficiently works to help take care of whatever the problem may be. Deana will show up right behind him where needed and offer additional support of supplies, hugs and whatever else may be useful in some of the worst situations. Whenever there is a lengthy power outage or damage from storms, you can always find Deana checking on the crews, bringing drinks, food and whatever else may provide assistance at the time.
Paul and Deana are truly a great example of what being a public servant is. There is seldom an event, fundraiser or activity that goes on where they are not in attendance. You will often find them offering to donate time, items or food to anything that is going on. Deana has worked hard over the last few years to help with updates at the VFW. Applying for grants and donations toward the renovations, as well as just rolling up her sleeves and doing most of the work on her own time. This initiative gave the VFW a much-needed facelift and renovated the bathrooms, hallway and kitchen. She also spent many tireless hours last summer working on a quilt style mural that has become the highlight of Main Street. With Paul by her side or often right behind her with a flashlight and encouraging words, she carefully crafted that mural with much detail going to highlight the many things we love and value in our community. There are so many projects these two have been a part of that it’s hard to mention them all. Paul has dubbed himself the Vice President of the Stafford Beautification Committee, as he is always being volunteered for one project after another!
When announced as the Oktoberfest Parade Marshals, they quickly indicated that they did not feel they do anything out of the ordinary that would cause them to be selected. But that’s exactly why they were! Their service to the community is so automatic and such a part of their daily lives that they don’t even realize the impact it actually has. They not only voice their pride for the community, but they also show it on a regular basis through their actions. Paul and Deana have not only called Stafford home for all of their lives, they have been intentional in pouring back into Stafford to make it a great place for so many others to call home as well!
“Being involved in the community and giving back are really important to me. As I've gotten older and reflected, I now understand this desire is from my parents taking me with them when they volunteered with the Saddle Club and Oktoberfest. They taught me the importance of being involved and giving your time and resources if able. My parents are always pouring into others because they care. I'm forever grateful to my parents for being amazing role models.”-Kiley Moody
“My parents have spent years giving back to the community. They have worked hard their whole lives and given endlessly. They are supportive of everyone and are always willing to help where needed. They are amazing parents who love endlessly and are always there when you need them. I’m so proud of them and everything they have conquered in their lives, and they push me daily to be half the person that they are.”-Mandy Sanders
“You simply can’t find two people that work harder for our community than Paul and Deana Eisenhour. It’s an honor to have Paul as our city and county fire chief. He is the perfect balance of great leadership and making sure the job we’re called to is done right, all the while making it fun at the same time. Paul is always putting in the long hours to make sure everyone makes it safe “back to the barn.” Deana puts in the long hours too, always working tirelessly to help our community. She’s an invaluable asset to our city as well as our fire department with all the time she spends writing reports, keeping us organized, and many other things behind the scenes. These two are dedicated to maintaining and improving our community more than anyone else I know, and we’re very lucky to have them.”-Matt Hildebrand, Stafford Assistant Fire Chief
“I have known Paul and Deana most of my life and have had the privilege of getting to know them on a different level over the last 14 years, while working alongside Deana. I have witnessed firsthand, on so many occasions, just how much these two actually do for the community on a regular basis. They are always ready to lend a hand for helping, a shoulder to cry on, an ear for listening or a perfectly timed joke or comment to make the room laugh right when you need it! There is never a day without laughter if either of them is around! They are a true example of what a servant’s heart looks like in people. They truly are part of what makes Stafford such a great community!”-Jami Downing, City of Stafford Administrator