Paul E. Anthony, age 94, of Claridon, died Thursday evening, November 1, 2012, on the first day of their wintering in Florida following a brief illness.
On December 5, 1917, Paul was born at home in Meeker, Ohio, one of four children of the late Audrey and Merle (Coles) Anthony.
In 1933, his family moved to a farm in Claridon, where he would graduate from Claridon High School in the Class of 1936. Later, he earned a degree from the Marion Business College.
A few years after graduating, while he was working at JCPenny’s, Paul was introduced to a young lady, Helen Peterson, by a mutual friend, and the rest was history. Soon thereafter, Paul and Helen were married on May 29, 1942, and have cherished their 70 wonderful years of marriage together.
Dedicating his life to the family farm, Paul farmed both livestock and grain until the day he died. He was proud to carry on their family tradition of farming, and was blessed to have his son and granddaughter follow in his footsteps.
A man of faith, Paul was a 60 plus year member of the Marion Salem United Methodist Church. He also was a former member of the Masonic Lodge of Mount Gilead.
Always giving back to his community, Paul served as a Claridon Township Trustee for 16 years.
Snowbirds, Paul and Helen have been enjoying their winters in Okeechobee, Florida, since 1964, where they attended the First United Methodist Church.
To say Paul was an avid card player would be quite the understatement, as he and Helen played cards nearly everyday with their friends and family, such as their neighbors, Donna Ruth and Wilbur Ault.
With a love for the outdoors, Paul would go hunting as often as he could with anyone he could get to go with him, hunting for most anything, but most often going coon hunting. He also enjoyed fishing and mushroom hunting.
Having a heart of gold, Paul would go to all lengths to help his family and friends however he could. He was a man of integrity that you were proud to have known.
He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Helen Anthony of Claridon; two children: Sondra (Tom) Nicodemus of Plainfield, Indiana, and Eric (Pat) Anthony of Edison; four grandchildren: Paul (Kay) Nicodemus, Sheri Nicodemus, Christopher (Janet) Anthony, and April Anthony Appleman; six great-grandchildren: Lyston, Kolby, Brittany, Brandon, Mary Elizabeth, and Samantha; and one great-great-grandson, Hunter; a brother-in-law, Howard McClenathan of Caledonia; and several nieces and nephews.
Including his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Mary Jo Anthony Van Meter; and three siblings: Maurice (Mary Ellen) Anthony, Louise (Corky) Brookens, and Pauline McClenathan.
Paul’s family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7, 2012, at the Snyder Funeral Home, Craven Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead. Services honoring his life will be held on Thursday at 11:00 a.m.; friends may gather at the church from 10a.m. until the time of service at the Marion Salem United Methodist Church, 1640 Salem Rd., Caledonia, with Rev. James Van Meter and Pastor Jared Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Claridon Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in care of the Marion Salem United Methodist Church. Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead is honored to have been chosen to serve Paul’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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