PAUL BUNNELL

PAUL BUNNELL

Feb. 12, 2016

Paul Arthur Bunnell died peacefully at his adopted home in Dallas, Texas, on Feb. 12, 2016. He was 95 years old.

Paul was born Feb. 29, 1920, on a fifth-generation dairy farm in Meshoppen, to J. Arthur and Ruth Kiethline Bunnell.

He was a graduate of Springville High School Class of 1938. His first job was in the Springville feed mill where he earned $15 a week. He married Helen Emily Olin of Montrose on July 26, 1941. They soon purchased a dairy farm near Auburn Four Corners where they lived until 2000, when they moved to Dallas, Texas, to be near their children.

Paul left the dairy business in the early 1960s and started a small construction company, born in part from necessity and in part from a life-long interest in woodworking. He built more than 75 homes in the area and was the general contractor for construction of the Springville Baptist Church where he served on the boards of deacons and trustees for many years. He also served on the school board for Auburn Center School and as an auditor for Auburn Township. Paul and Helen's interests and social life during those years were anchored in their faith and church, reflecting a deeply-held conviction about the meaning and purpose of life.

A quiet and unassuming man, Paul will be remembered by those who knew him as an intellectually curious and reflective person of great integrity and as one generous with his time and resources, always willing to help a neighbor or friend. His work ethic, resourcefulness, dependability and wisdom were an inspiration not only to his family, but to those who knew and admired him.

He is survived by sons: William P. Bunnell of Redlands, Calif., and David A. Bunnell of Geneva, N.Y.; and a daughter Marcia L. Bateman of Dallas, Texas; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Helen Emily Olin Bunnell (2009); and his daughter, Susan J. Bunnell of Houston, Texas (2008). His siblings: Wayne K. Bunnell of Fort Meyers, Fla. and Gershom W. Bunnell of Meshoppen, both predeceased him.

Memorial services to be private. Interment in the Bunnell Cemetery, Meshoppen.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Springville Baptist Church, Springville, PA 18844.

Family contact is Marcia Bateman, 6466 Meadow Road, Dallas, TX 75230. Arrangements are by the Regan Funeral Home, Montrose.