Paul Edward Gilpin Jr.
LANCASTER: It is with great sadness that the family of Paul Edward Gilpin, Jr. announces that he went peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at the Fairfield Medical Center, Lancaster, Ohio with loved ones by his side.
He was born in Connellsville, Pennsylvania on January 29, 1925 to the late Paul Edward Gilpin, Sr. and Nellie (Hough) Gilpin.
Paul will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Ruth Barbara (Holland) Gilpin with whom he celebrated 68 years of marriage; and his devoted children: Steve (Lori) Gilpin of Lancaster, Cheryl Anderson of Lancaster and Linda Gilpin of Columbus, Ohio.
Paul will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren: Curri (Joe) Seifert, Brooke (Blake) Evans, Amy (Ryan) Witschger and Brian Anderson; and great grandchildren: John, Alli, Luke, Benjamin, Emily, Nicholas, Landon and Logan.
In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his sisters: Grace Maxwell, Sally McMillen and Evelyn Bergdoll and his brother: Don Gilpin.
Paul graduated from Berne Union High School, Sugar Grove, Ohio and at 18 entered the U.S. Army April 1, 1943.
He was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky and Fort George G. Meade, Maryland before going overseas in December, 1943.
Paul attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Stationed in England before going to France on D-Day, he was a member of the 29th Infantry Division.
Paul was a part of the invasion of Normandy in WWII and was seriously wounded in action on July 30, 1944 for which he received the Purple Heart.
For distinguished military service and bravery during the Battle of Normandy on behalf of the members of the Senate of the 123rd General Assembly of Ohio, Paul received special recognition on August 29, 2000 when he was awarded the Jubilee of Liberty Medal conceived by the Regional Council of Normandy.
Paul proudly worked as a Mould Maker for 30 years including many years at Lancaster Mould Shop where he developed unique talents creating moulds for the Glass Industry.
This enabled him in 1970 to start his own business in his basement which became Paul's Model Shop, Inc. currently located at 120 West Sixth Avenue in Lancaster.
He was a detailed craftsman and among the best in his field.
Over the years, they have provided specialty work such as collectibles for companies like Avon and Fenton Glass.
He and his son, Steve, who has worked with him 40 years, built the business into a well-known company providing high-quality prototypes to domestic and international clients for the Glass and Plastics Industry.
Until April this year, Paul still worked every day at his business.
Being competitive and enjoying sports, Paul participated in several golf and bowling leagues.
He and his wife, Ruth were members of the Fairfield County Country Swingers Square Dance Club. Paul was also an avid Cincinnati Reds and OSU Buckeye fan.
A faithful member of the First United Methodist Church, he and Ruth taught the Third Grade Sunday School Classes for many years and he was a winning coach of the Girls' Softball Team when his daughters were growing up. He was a supportive member of the VFW.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 26, at 1:00 PM at the HALTEMAN-FETT & DYER FUNERAL HOME, 436 North Broad Street, Lancaster with Dave Tingler, Minister officiating. Burial to follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens, 351 Coonpath Road, Lancaster, where military honors will be conducted by the Lancaster Ohio Veterans
Burial Detail. Family will welcome friends and relatives on Friday, July 25 from 5-8 PM at the funeral home.
To live in hearts of those we love is not to die."
In memory of Paul, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 40, 306 Talmadge Avenue, Lancaster, Ohio, 43130, Attention: Barry Hopkins, in lieu of flowers.
Those wishing to share memories or extend condolences, please visit
www.haltemanfettdyer.com .
Published in the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette from July 24 to July 25, 2014