Paul B. Cors, 92, of Laramie, WY, and Ripon, WI, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne, WY, due to complications from an infection. He was born August 13, 1930, to Lyle and Beatrice (Dilts) Cors in Janesville, WI. He spent most of his childhood in Ripon, WI, where his father taught high school social studies and his mother was the city librarian.

Paul graduated from Ripon College with a BA in the Classics, followed by a Masters Degree in Library Science from Rutgers University. These degrees set in motion his career path as a librarian and cemented his love of books. After working with the New Mexico State University libraries in Las Cruces, he moved to Cheyenne, WY, becoming the first director of the newly formed Centralized Processing Center at the Wyoming State Library. Paul joined Coe Library at the University of Wyoming in Laramie in 1969, becoming the Chief Acquisitions Librarian and an Associate Professor in 1970 and then Professor and Head of Collection Development until his 1995 retirement. He received the Agnes Milstead Distinguished Librarian Award.

Paul authored the “Academic Libraries and Intellectual Freedom” chapter of the Intellectual Freedom Manual, 5^th Ed. This American Library Association (ALA) publication is the authoritative reference on maintaining free and equal access to information for all people. Paul was an active member of the ALA, holding offices and chairing the Intellectual Freedom and Social Responsibilities Round Tables. He once voted in favor of the ALA not meeting in any state that hadn’t passed the Equal Rights Amendment; the motion passed.

Those who knew Paul were likely aware of his keen, lifelong interest in railroads. He traveled and explored nationally and internationally by rail, always seeking to experience a new train or line. Fittingly, Paul authored Railroads, Spare Time Guide No. 8, an extensive, annotated bibliography designed to aid librarians and hobbyists in finding the railroad material they need. He notes in his book, “I have no memory of a time when I was not fascinated by railroads.” He was particularly interested in rail geography – tracing routes and the factors that caused them to be built where they were, and in the detailed charting of individual lines “down to the last switch and spur.” Paul’s book is dedicated to his father’s memory, “from whom I learned at an early age the delights of book collecting.”

Paul’s extensive knowledge and deep appreciation of the natural world began at an early age and was nurtured by his parents. As a high school student, he authored the “Fauna of the South Woods” chapter in The South Woods Park Anniversary Booklet, 1902-1947. South Woods is a natural area in Ripon, WI, widely known for its outstanding spring wildflower display. Paul was active with local chapters of the National Audubon Society wherever he lived. He was elected to multiple Audubon offices, he led field trips, and he led and participated in the annual Christmas Bird Count, irregardless of the weather. He was an elected American Ornithologists’ Union member at a time when the organization was composed of primarily professional ornithologists devoted to the scientific study of birds.

Paul was a devoted member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Laramie since 1969. He served as deacon, moderator, trustee, Christian service (mission) board, pastor/parish relations, and church council, often multiple times and often as chair. Some considered him the “patriarch of the church” because of his 53-year involvement, his service on committees, and his knowledge of bylaws and church history. One member notes that “He was truly a Biblical scholar, in the sense he loved, studied and had an amazing memory for anything relating to the Bible.” He received the Church Person of the Year Award, Rocky Mountain Conference, for his loyal and dedicated service as registrar. It was suggested that a recent event honoring Church Elders be renamed “Paul Cors Day” to acknowledge his long service and membership with St. Paul’s. His favorite St. Paul’s memory “has to be all the wonderful potluck meals we have enjoyed together. Even in times of trouble, there were celebrations of food, fellowship and fun.”

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Virginia Anderson. He is survived by his nieces and nephew, Linda Anderson Schiefelbein (Steven), Michael Anderson (Patricia Fahrenkrug), and Kathryn Anderson Wong; and his great nephew and nieces, Mark Schiefelbein, Jennfier Schiefelbein Wellborn, Hayley Wong, and Lindsey Wong.

A memorial service and luncheon will be held at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 602 E. Garfield St, Laramie, WY, on Saturday, April 22, 2023, beginning at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Kidney Fund or the American Diabetes Assoc.