Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
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Paul E. VanAuken, 86, Sandusky, died on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, in the Ohio Veterans Home.
He was born on April 28, 1925 in Lancaster, OH. He graduated from Lancaster St. Mary's High School in 1943, and attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC.
Paul served in the U.S. Army Air Corp. as a Troop Carrier Pilot during WWII, and retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1972 with the rank of Captain.
He retired from Ohio Bell Telephone Co. in 1978 as a Marking Sales Manager after 33 years, and United Telephone Co. in 1987, serving as District Manager.
He was a member of St. Stephens United Church of Christ. Paul enjoyed doing community service. He served as mayor of Gahanna, OH, for two terms, 1966-1970. After transferring for his job to Fremont, he served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, President and Drive Chairman of United Way, Commodore of the Yacht Club, member of the Board of Junior Achievement, member of the Rotary Club, and Fremont Country Club. While working in Wooster, OH, he served as President of the Wooster Chamber of Commerce, member of the Advisory Board of Wooster-Wayne County Justice Center, Wooster Country Club, and Board of Director of the Rotary Club. After retiring and relocating to Sandusky, he served as a member of the Perkins Twp. Zoning Committee, a board member of the Sandusky Yacht Club, member of the American Legion Post 83, Amvets Post 17, and the V.F.W. Post 2529.
Paul is survived by his wife, Donna (Bennett, Keller) VanAuken; children, Kirk (Cindy) VanAuken, Joy (Gordon) Miller, Cindy (Doug) Kennedy; step-children, Amy (Jim) Boling, and David (Gerri) Keller; grandchildren, Sarah Boling, Jennifer Boling, Kendall Miller, McKenzie Miller, Gina Keller, Nicole Keller, Erin Keller, Jillian VanAuken and Tim VanAuken; two great-grandchildren; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marsha and David Scott.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dolores (Ahern) VanAuken, in 1981; parents, Earl and Nellie (Fagan) VanAuken; brothers, William, Bernard and John; and a sister, Helen Brown.
At his request, cremation has taken place. Friends may call on Saturday, January 14, 2012 from 10 AM until time of memorial services at 11 AM in St. Stephen United Church of Christ, 905 W. E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky. Rev. Jerald Fenske will officiate. American Legion Post 83 Honor Guard will provide the military tribute. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen United Church of Christ, or to Stein Hospice Service, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870. Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.toftfh.com.
