Paul W. Middents

Silverdale, wa

March 23, 1939 to april 19, 2018

Captain Paul W. Middents, USN Ret., 79, of Silverdale, WA, passed away peacefully in his home on April 19, 2018 after an 8 1/2 year battle with cancer. Paul was born on March 23, 1939 in Madelia, MN to Rev. L.R. and Beula (Burdick) Middents. A graduate of Paullina High School in Paullina, IA, Paul went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy from 1957-1991, retiring as a Captain. He qualified on submarines on the U.S.S. George Washington completing 15 strategic deterrent patrols over his career culminating with command at sea on the U.S.S. Lafayette and US.S. Proteus. Another highlight of his Naval career included command of the Trident Training Facility in Bangor, WA from 1983-86. Captain Middents was awarded the Legion of Merit with two Gold Stars in lieu of a second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon among other military accolades. He married the love of his life, Ellen L. Thaden, on September 2, 1960, in Sigourney, IA. Paul was a graduate of the University of Dubuque, IA with a BS in physics and math, and went on to earn a Master's Degree in physics from Michigan State University. After retiring from the Navy, Paul worked as an Adjunct Professor at Olympic College teaching math, physics and astronomy. Paul was a past president of the Kitsap County Historical Society and a member of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors receiving a Star Fellowship Award for participation and scholarship over 50 years of membership. He was also an elder at Summit Avenue Presbyterian Church. In his spare time, Paul was an antiquarian book collector as well an avid researcher of historic street clocks. He wrote many articles and gave talks about turn-of-the-century Seattle jeweler and street clock maker Joseph Mayer. His many passions included his grandchildren, nieces and nephews, science, Belgian beer, and a good laugh with friends. His family and many friends and associates will dearly miss his hearty laugh, stories, and shrewd perspectives on life. He is preceded in death by his parents. Paul's memory will live on with, Ellen, his loving wife of 57 years; son Dirk (Kelli); daughter, Lisa (Greg); grandchildren, Laura and Leo, and his ginger tom cat, Sparky. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at Summit Avenue Presbyterian Church in Bremerton. Inurnment services, with military honors, will be held on Monday, June 25th at 11:00 a.m. at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, P.O. Box 96172, Washington, D.C. 20090-6172 or to Summit Ave Presbyterian Church at 403 S. Summit Ave, Bremerton, WA 98312. An online memorial can be viewed at: www.lewischapel.com.

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Published by Kitsap Sun on Apr. 29, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Middents

5 Entries

Brotherhood of the Dolphin

Nick Nichols

June 11, 2018

To the Middents Family,

On behalf of the Charleston Base SUBVETS and Swamp Fox Chapter SUBVETS WWII, I offer you our sincere condolences on Paul's passing. We grieve with you on the death of your loved one and our shipmate. The SUBVETS will have your family in our thoughts and prayers. There is no expiration date on the back of our dolphins and Paul, who earned his 'fish' when he qualified on USS GEORGE WASHINGTON SSBN-598, will always be remembered as a Brother of the Phin and a great Patriot. BRAVO ZULU SHIPMATE!!

CAPT(SS) Paul W. Middents
US Navy Submarine Veteran Retired
Now on Eternal Patrol
Sailor Rest Your Oar
Your Shipmates Have The Watch

Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate

Charleston Base Submarine Veterans
Nick Nichols, MTCM(SS) USN Ret.
Base Chaplain

Ronald Wernke

May 20, 2018

Capt. Paul Middents was a wonderful Captain and will be truly missed. He was one on my favorite Captains around when I was in the US Navy. I had a few good ones and he was one. Thank you for being there for myself and my family. Your family is in my prayers.

Art Hammond

May 4, 2018

Thank you for sharing such a great man with us, all. Mr. Middents was my Astronomy instructor at Olympic College, and really brought the universe to life, for me. Since, I have enjoyed watching out at night, and really taking in the stars, and planets that can be seen in the night sky. On top of that, he was a great customer for me at the Navy Exchange at Bangor. Always enjoyed the chats with him, when he would come in. It is so sad to know that the last time I saw him, was the last time. There are just those people that you expect to see forever, and he was one of those people. And, to see that he was on the USS Proteus... Same ship my father was on. Now, makes me wonder if they might have been on it the same time frame?? May he forever rest in peace and I hope he knows that he did leave lasting positive impressions in so many lives..

May 3, 2018

My sincere condolences to the family. What a great man. Rest in Peace, Sir.

Rhonda Spaziani

April 29, 2018

Dear Middents Family,

Mr. Middents was a mainstay of my childhood. He was kind and smart and patient with us. He loved his country, cats, clocks, reading, and his wife and children. Your family was my second one. My heart knows the sorrow of missing one of the persons you love most in the world and wishes for you peace and serenity in your faith. I hope that you all can find comfort in the love you share and know that he will be waiting on the other side to lovingly greet you many years from now. Wishing you comfort and healing in this time of sadness.
In sympathy,
Rhonda

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