September 21, 1937 – November 14, 2024
Paul Anthony Churchward, 87, Carmel, passed peacefully in his sleep on November 14, 2024. He was born on September 21, 1937, in Fort Wayne, Ind., the youngest of 11 children, to Charles John Churchward (Cornwall, England) and Edna Josephine Herber (Fort Wayne). He attended Waynedale Elementary School and graduated from Elmhurst High School, Class of 1955.
Obtaining his apprenticeship in December 1957, from the Fort Wayne International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers, Local 147, he practiced his trade for 20 years in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio, until retiring on disability due to an injury suffered on the job in 1975.
An avid sportsman, Paul enjoyed many years of hunting, trapping and, especially, bass fishing on his beloved Indian Lake in Kendallville. A true Hoosier Basketball fan, Paul resided in Indiana all his life in Waynedale, Ft. Wayne, Kendallville, and Churubusco, where he became a regular patron of the Magic Wand Restaurant. Since 2018, he spent his final years living near his children in Carmel, under the kind and loving care of the staff at Magnolia Springs Bridgewater Assisted Living.
A member of the Lutheran Church, Paul was married on June 10, 1960, to his first wife, Janet (Hefflinger) Bellis (Donald). He was later married on August 18, 1993, for 23 years to his second wife, Carolyn (Parker) Cline until her death November 8, 2016.
In addition to his parents, and second wife, Paul was preceded in death by; brothers, William, Eugene, James, Page, and Wilbur Churchward; and sisters, Edna Imel, Susan Vorich, Rita Kendrick, and Cecile Churchward.
Survivors include his first wife, Janet; children, Risa Krauter (Kurt), Bart Churchward, and Holly Hardman (Dave); grandchildren (from Risa), Casey Krauter (Lauren), Nicole Jontony (Dominic), Kelly Krauter, Kevin Krauter, Katie Krauter, Courtney Krauter, and Michael Krauter, (from Bart) Cash Churchward and Dutch Churchward, (from Holly) Katie Mantock (Rob), Camille Hardman, Cierra McGriff (Cory), and Elizabeth Hardman; stepchildren, Pat Cline and Bob (Lisa) Cline; and sister Lorraine Hoss; 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, most notably David Churchward who grew up like a brother to Paul.
A private ceremony will be held at his final resting place next to his parents at Prairie Grove Cemetery, 6312 Old Trail Road, Ft. Wayne, Ind.
Memorial contributions, in remembrance of Paul, may be directed by check, made payable to Magnolia Springs Bridgewater (Employee Appreciation Fund), 14901 Carey Road, Carmel, IN 46033.
Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.
Condolences: bussellfamilyfunerals.com