Paris Krupnik, 60, of St. Charles, MO died September 15, 2021. He was born April 9, 1961 in Red Bud, Illinois, the son of Amour and Janet Krupnik (both deceased). He is survived by his siblings Jolie Krupnik, Darius Krupnik and Antony Krupnik; niece Amanda Krupnik; nephews Alexander Krupnik, Mark Krupnik, David Krupnik; aunt and uncle Mary Ellen & Jack Norman; cousins Marcy nee Norman (Jeff) Cagan, Peter Norman (Deborah Newmark) and Jenny nee Norman (Thomas) Schmidt, and second and third cousins.

Paris was a trained musician/drummer. As a teenager he studied percussion with Tom Stubbs, Percussionist for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. He played drums in the Parkway West Jazz and Marching Bands. He also performed in local rock 'n' roll bands. After graduating from Parkway West Senior High School, he attended the prestigious music program at the University of Miami, Florida. Not happy with a classical program, Paris returned to St. Louis and joined a rock and roll band. The band was offered a record contract from a major recording company. The leader of the band turned down the offer because of changes the record company was demanding. This was a big disappointment to Paris, but he continued to perform in local bands and clubs in and outside of St. Louis. Paris also played the piano, composed songs and liked to sing.

Life throws us unexpected punches, and we either pounce back or withdraw. Paris was a fighter. In his late 20's/early 30's he was diagnosed with Stage III Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma cancer. An experimental drug treatment, much support from his parents and Paris's courage and determination allowed him to live to hear the doctor tell him "you are cancer free."

Paris assembled an impressive collection of rock and jazz ticket stubs from concerts he attended, spanning several decades. He shared his love of jazz music with his parents who introduced him to many of the great jazz artists. When he was only 13 years old, in the summer of 1974, his parents took him to a concert at the Missouri River Festival at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville (one of several) featuring jazz artists McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea and Freddie Hubbard. Other jazz concerts he attended with his parents were Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass and Count Basie at the Kiel Opera House, as well as Dave Brubeck. Among the rock 'n' roll ticket stubs in his notebooks are the Allman Brothers 1973, Led Zeppelin 1977 at The Arena, Eric Clapton solo 1978 at Kiel Auditorium, Bob Dylan 1988 at The Muny, and The Who August 1989 and Rolling Stones September 1989, both at Busch Stadium, and Elton John 1992 at Riverport Ampitheatre.

Paris was an ardent Beatles fan, collected Beatles memorabilia and attended multiple Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr concerts. A Friday night weekly ritual lasting more than 15 years took him to his favorite Karaoke Bar at Leo's Pub & Grill in St. Charles, where Paris was considered family. He liked to sing "House on Pooh Corner" by Loggins and Messina, a song about nostalgia for childhood; "How Wonderful Life Is" by Elton John; and any Beatles song, including one of his favorites "Something."

Paris made friends easily and maintained these friendships for decades. On Facebook, his 1,600+ friends remember him best for his "Radio PK" posts, which were musical videos, many times chosen specifically for, and dedicated to, friends. Paris loved to cook, especially for the loves of his life, and he posted photos of the beautiful gourmet meals he prepared. He loved sports. With his brother Darius, he played Fantasy Football and Baseball. With his sister Jolie, he attended Game 6 of the 2011 World Series where, in the 11th inning, David Freese won the World Series for the Cardinals with a walk-off homer. After the nail-biting game ending, Paris and Jolie gleefully and unabashedly sang "We are the Champions" walking from Busch Stadium to the car.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, annual road trips took him and friends to eclectic musical performances at the New Orleans Jazz Festival and a day of picnicking and horse race betting and watching from the Kentucky Derby Infield.

In the last decades of his life, Paris worked in the casino industry as a Pit Manager.

Paris was dearly loved by his friends and family. He was a talented musician and a generous and caring person. He will be missed.

Services: There will be a graveside service for family at St. Paul Evangelical Cemetery, Saturday, October 9th at 2:30 pm CT.

Friends and out-of-towners can attend the service through the Zoom link below:
Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83540762706?pwd=SUZ4anNGbEJ3SjFrenpXRIRyyOFhVQT09
Time: Oct 9, 2021 2:15 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Meeting ID: 835 4076 2706
Passcode: 997394.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society , the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital . A service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.