FALLBROOK -- Paul Steffen Finot, 84, died Monday, Aug. 6, 2007, at home in Fallbrook.

Born Dec. 26, 1922, in St. Louis, he lived in Fallbrook for 20 years. He was an educator at the Pasadena Unified School District for 25 years, retiring in 1986. He flew 21 missions in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II as a tail gunner on a B-17 bomber. He was shot down over Germany in November of 1944 and was a POW until the end of the war. He was awarded two Purple Hearts, three Air Medals, the European Theater Ribbon with two Stars, the Victory in Europe Medal, a Presidential Unit Citation and a POW medal. He was a charter member of the American Federation of Teachers and president of the Pasadena Local. He enjoyed building things -- houses, boats and furniture. He enjoyed hiking, camping and skiing in California's Sierra Nevada. He also enjoyed photography.

Mr. Finot was preceded in death by his brothers, Bob Finot and Bud Finot. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Pat Finot of Fallbrook; daughters Suzanne Gilmore of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Nannette Finot of Dallas; son Paul Finot Jr. of San Francisco; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held in Fallbrook later this month.

California Funeral Alternatives is handling arrangements.