Obituaries Paul R. Smith
Paul R. Smith, 92, of Pipersville, Pa. passed away peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, January 17, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Ella M. (Handy) Smith. Late in life Paul and Ella met and married. The relationship grew into a wonderful bond of companionship and love lasting over 16 years. Ella’s family were generous in welcoming Paul into their home. Paul and Ella enjoyed each other's company, attended flea markets, traveled, listened to music, and attended church gatherings.
Born July 25, 1930 on a farm in Dayton, OH, Paul was a son of the late Wilber and Martha (Coffman) Smith. Wilber worked the farm while Martha, the school music teacher, emphasized education. Paul and his siblings all graduated with university degrees. Paul is preceded in death by his brother Glenn and sister Dorothy.
Paul grew up in Dayton, Ohio, soon after high school graduation he joined the Air Force in 1951. He was a proud Korean war veteran, and utilized his GI bill education to attend college. Paul graduated from Ohio State University in 1959 with an electrical engineering degree. He worked at North American Aviation in Columbus, Ohio and IBM in Owego, NY as an electrical engineer.
He loved Mozart, most classical music and big band tunes. He was an accomplished clarinet player for the Kirby Band in Binghamton, NY. He played the clarinet in multiple bands, symphonies and family gatherings. Paul’s passion for music drew him to singing in the local church choir both at Apalachin United Methodist Church and Doylestown United Methodist Church.
He was preceded by the death of his first wife Rosemary (Oaks), married almost 50 years, who passed away in 2003. He was survived by his children and grandchildren. Survivors include, three children, Gene Smith (Donna) of Grand Junction, CO, Gary Smith (Debra) of Dixon, NM, and Linda Smith-Wheelock (Mike) of Canton, MI; also four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Paul will be remembered by his three children as a constant, steady, and caring father. Not flashy or dramatic, he was a quiet and steady father figure. When his children became parents they gained appreciation for his parenting style.
Services and interment will be held privately.
Service and Interment will be held privately
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