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Blue Springs South High School Wichita State University

Michael Paugh Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 4, 2024.

Michael Gene Paugh, 78, passed away surrounded by his family on November 24, 2024 at Hospice House in Kansas City, MO following a battle with Dementia.

He was born in Wichita, KS to Clarence "Marvin" Paugh and Juanita (Coleman) Paugh on July 24, 1946.

Mike attended local Wichita schools, graduating from South High School in 1964. He graduated from Wichita State University before serving in the US Army in Vietnam from 1970 - 1971. Mike worked for Pizza Hut Restaurant Services in Wichita from 1972 to 1974 when he moved the family to Independence, KS, working for Fugate Enterprises. After leaving Fugate Enterprises, Mike owned and operated several small businesses, including Taco Hut, Mikie's, A&B Plant Farm, and KanMAP, amongst others. In 2003, Mike and Sharon moved to Overland Park, KS to be closer to their children and their growing families.

He met his future wife, Sharon, in 1960 in 8th grade at Truesdell Junior High. They were by each other's side from that moment on, marrying in 1966. Together, they raised four daughters and instilled in them the importance of family, which remains evident in their lives today. Mike was active in the Independence community, contributing to Neewollah committees, Jaycees, school and sports activities, and more. He enjoyed spending weekends with family and friends at Grand Lake every summer while living in Independence. After moving to Overland Park, Mike was a staple at his grandchildren's activities, participating whenever he was able. "Papa" was his most treasured role.
He is preceded in death by his parents.

Mike is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sharon (Yates) Paugh; daughters Jennifer Palmer (Rick), Juli Leahy (Paul), Jami Lutt (Jeff), Jordan Bennett (Rob); grandchildren Harper and Addison Palmer, Sawyer and Stratton Leahy, Carly and Creighton Lutt, Ella and Maggie Bennett; siblings Larry (Maxine) Gates, Richard "Dick" Paugh, Linda Stoltz; and a loving extended family.

The family will accept visitors on Sunday, December 8 at the Nottingham by the Green/Knightsbrooke Clubhouse between 3pm and 5pm.

12700 Oakmont Street

Overland Park, KS 66213

Memorial donations in Mike's honor are suggested to Veterans of Foreign Wars at vfw.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Recent Activity

December 8, 2024

Tracy Dunham posted to the memorial.

December 7, 2024

Tracy Dunham posted to the memorial.

December 7, 2024

Tracy Dunham posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Tracy Dunham

December 8, 2024

Tracy Dunham

December 7, 2024

Tracy Dunham

December 7, 2024

I was employed at Taco Hut in the 1980's, Mike was a terrific boss & a wonderful human being.

Was going through some of my old pictures a couple of weeks ago & stumbled upon these goodies.

One is at one of the Taco Hut Christmas parties, the other is of Mike doing dishes.

My thoughts & prayers are with Sharon & Family.

Great memories.

Tom Cook

December 6, 2024

I was part of the original Thursday Night Supper Club in Independence, Kansas, at Taco Hut. Those were the BEST tacos, especially for a bunch of college kids and first-time bread winners. Our hearts go out to you, Sharon, and your family.