Paul E. Persinger, Sr.

Paul E. Persinger, Sr., 89, of Baldwin City, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 9, 2017, at Colmery O’Neil VA Medical Center, Topeka. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Mr. Persinger will lie in state from 1:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Monday, January 16, 2017, at the mortuary and from 8:30 A.M. to the service hour Tuesday. Interment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, with military honors by the United States Marine Corps. Paul was born Saturday, July 16, 1927, in Welda, Kansas, the son of Leon Ercy and Anna Laura (Smith) Persinger. He lived in Ottawa from 1958 to 1962, moving to Lawrence. In 1963, Paul moved to Baldwin City, where he made his home until his death. Paul graduated from Kincaid High School with the class of 1945. He went on to further his education in the military in electronic control systems. Paul served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II from September 1945 to October 1946, where he saw combat action in the South Pacific Theater. In September 1950, he reenlisted in the United States Air Force serving during the Korean War. He obtained the rank of staff sergeant. He was a mobile electronic training instructor, who trained pilots in the latest Air Force technology involving jet fighter aircraft and radar. He was honorably discharged in September 1954. Paul was united in marriage to Lutitia Murice Gibbons November 29, 1958, in Ottawa. She survives of their home. Other survivors include his four children, Paul Persinger, Jr. of Ottawa, Laura Persinger of Baldwin City, Cheryl Robinson of Melvern, and Julia Griffith of Ottawa; four grandchildren, Katelynn Robinson, Nicholas Robinson, Matthew Robinson, and Jared Persinger; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Laura Persinger; and sister, Shirley Grewing. Paul owned and operated Automotive Electric in Lawrence from 1974 until his retirement in 1985. For many years, he was a lead automotive mechanic for several dealerships. He was also an aviation mechanic and production manager for King Radio in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Paul enjoyed gardening, home projects, traveling, family, children and animals. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Shriners Hospitals for Children 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