Mitch Paul, 82

Mitchel B. Paul, age 82, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2020, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo.
Mitch was born Nov. 29, 1937, in Coldwater, a son of Leo and Maybelle (Taylor) Paul. On Aug. 22, 1959, he married the love of his life, Patricia (Warkoczeski) Paul, and together they lived in Sturgis for 40 years, eventually relocating to Kalamazoo in 2005.
In his early years, he was a member of the 4-H Club and was a member of a barbershop quartet. Mitch graduated from Coldwater High School and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. Mitch was a math teacher for 34 years, with the bulk of his teaching time spent in the Sturgis Public Schools system. In addition to teaching eighth-grade students, Mitch also taught GED night school in the evenings for several years. In the summers and following retirement, he worked as a professional painter, first with a partner but eventually on his own.
Mitch was known to have a great sense of humor, was an avid reader, a crossword puzzle expert and amateur golfer. But his favorite hobby was woodworking. Mitch spent significant time working in his shop and was well-known for all the wonderful handmade items he made for family and friends. Mitch was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Student Parish, Kalamazoo Elks Club and Knights of Columbus. He was an enthusiastic fan of all MSU sports, the Detroit Lions and especially his beloved Detroit Tigers.
Family was a very important part of Mitch’s life. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren and actively following them in all of their activities. A weekend event last summer on Mackinac Island with his children and grandchildren to celebrate his 60th wedding anniversary with Pat was a cherished event. Mitch was a devoted husband and an attentive, loving father and grandfather.
Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Patricia Paul; two children Jonathan (Julie) Paul and Marcea (Mark) Mones; five grandchildren, Owen Paul, Isaac Paul, Marlee Mones, Meaghan Mones and Max Mones; a sister, Jane Ann (N. Dean) Brown and Dennis (Betty) Paul; and many special nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Nancy (Paul) Armstrong.
In accordance with Mitch’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A visitation and Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas More Catholic Student Parish on Friday, July 10. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. (limited to 10 people at a time). The Memorial Mass will be at 11a.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, social distancing and face masks are required. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/sttomskazoo/. Interment will follow at Genessee Prairie Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mitch’s memory may be directed to St. Thomas More Catholic Student Parish or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Please visit Mitch’s personalized web page to sign his online guest book and leave a message or condolence for his family at: www.langelands.com.