Paul Dean Holeman

Paul Dean Holeman, 82, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Family will meet with friends from 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M., Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at the mortuary. Since Paul was an avid KU basketball fan, anyone wishing to wear KU apparel is welcome. Interment Pleasant Hill Cemetery, west of Centropolis, with military honors by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Paul was born Tuesday, August 7, 1934, in Enola, Arkansas, the son of Bennie and Nancy (Ross) Holeman. During his childhood, he helped on the family farm. He graduated from Rosebud High School, Rosebud, Arkansas, with the class of 1952. He continued his education at Arkansas State Teacher’s College, Conway, Arkansas, leaving so he could serve his country. Paul served in the United States Army from March 1954 to March 1956 obtaining the rank of specialist 3rd class. He was stationed in Germany as a vehicle wheel mechanic. While in Germany, he helped a nearby orphanage. Paul was united in marriage to Doris Barger October 12, 1956, in Kansas City, Kansas. She survives of the home. He lived in Kansas City, Kansas, from 1956 to 1967 moving to Shawnee, where they resided for 20 years. Paul and Doris enjoyed many fun-filled years on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma, while raising their family. In 1987, Paul moved to Franklin County where he made his home until his death. Other survivors include his two children, Debi Milton and husband Randy of Ottawa, and Paula Holeman of DeSoto; two siblings, Wendell Holeman and wife Bonnie of Kansas City, Missouri, and Kenneth Holeman and wife Alberta of Conroe, Texas; seven grandchildren, Dave Tarpy, Brook Milton, Elisha Smith, Trevor Fries, Tim Smith, Hannah Milton and Kendal Fries; eleven great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Nancy Holeman; and sister, Wanda Spradlin. Paul was employed with Western Electric for 30 years working his way up to a quality control specialist. He was an active member of CWA Local Union 6395, where he held multiple offices, including president. After his retirement, he worked for USD 287 as a school bus driver for Appanoose Elementary. He was a competitor; he loved playing softball as well as bowling. Paul was very instrumental in the formation and beginning years of Johnson County Girls Athletic Association in Shawnee. He was an umpire and coached both Debi’s and Paula’s teams for many years. Paul was a member of the Midwest Field Trial Association for many years. He raised and trained pedigree English Pointers. After retirement, Paul stayed very busy with all aspects of gardening, raising cattle and was an avid bird watcher. He served as a board member with the Douglas County Rural Water District 5. Paul enjoyed many years of traveling to South Padre, Branson and many other destinations. Above all, Paul enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, which also included coaching his oldest grandson’s baseball team. A big “thank you” goes out to Richmond Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center for going above and beyond providing top-notch care for our loved one and loving him as family. The family suggests memorial contributions to Richmond Healthcare Activity Fund c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Paul’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com