Paul J. Cone was born April 13, 1921, in Fort Scott to George and Grace Cone. He was the second of five boys.
In his early life, the family moved often. Coming to Portis in 1932. He graduated from eighth grade and high school from Portis in 1939.
After his parents left Portis in 1940, he lived with Russ and Grace Wolters, helping with farming and cattle until being called into the military in 1942. He served in the Army until Dec. 31, 1945.
On his release from the military, he returned to Portis to live with Russ and Grace until he purchased his farm in 1950.
In 1950 he married Velma Hammond. They moved to the farm near Harlan in August 1950. To this union were born two children, Nancy L. and Paul R. Cone.
He and his family lived in the Harlan and Portis area until his wife’s death in March 2012.
He was preceded in death by his parents George and Grace, his four brothers Frank, Vernon, George and Harold Cone, his wife Velma and many friends.
He is survived by his daughter Nancy and son Paul (Denise) Cone.