Paul Francis Justus, 70, of Salem, Ore., and a former long-time resident of Northwest Arkansas, died suddenly on January 20, 2021, of natural causes while on a walk in his neighborhood.
Paul was an author and strong advocate of progressive economic policy to combat our nation’s growing inequality and promote the common good. He is preceded in death by his loving wife and noted stream ecologist, Dr. Andrea Radwell; and his parents Dr. John Bahan Justus and Mary Grogan Justus. He is survived by his stepson Brent Livingwell and four step grandchildren (Sasha, Noah, Aliyah and A.J.) of Boulder, Colo.; five siblings John Justus, Jr., (Tia) of Santa Fe, N.M., Susan Justus Weinstein (Robert) of Gainesville, Fla., Janet Justus (Andrea) of Leawood, Kan., Margaret Justus of Austin, Texas, Robert Justus of Kansas City, Kan. and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Paul was deeply loved by his family and friends. He served in the Peace Corps in the island nation of Tonga and retired as a regional planner for the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission. He was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem and earlier of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Eureka Springs, an Eagle Scout, and served on the boards of several public service non-profit organizations including the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation, the Ozark Regional Land Trust and Common Ground USA. He also published a children’s book about Georgist economic policy, Young George and the Dragon: An Economic Fairy Tale.
Paul was born in Kansas City, Mo., and graduated from Bishop Miege High School where he ran cross country and participated in theater productions. He earned a BA in Economics from Saint Louis University and an MA in Urban Design from the University of Kansas School of Architecture.
Paul enjoyed spending time with his countless friends in Salem and Eureka Springs, Ark., playing his guitar, practicing Spanish, singing in the Ozarks Chorale, spending time in nature and advocating for progressive solutions to fight climate change.
Services will be announced once the family has determined a date. We ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Paul to Ozark Regional Land Trust.