Eugene Frank "Gene" Paul

Eugene Frank Paul "Gene", 100, of Sylvania, passed away peacefully at home Friday August 22, 2025. He was born to Fern Bartlett Paul Dewey and Frank Paul on March 7, 1925, in Toledo, Ohio. He attended grade school in Metamora before moving to Sylvania and graduating from Burnham High School in 1943. He then enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Pacific theatre aboard the USS Oakland during WWII, participating in every campaign, except Iwo Jima, until the war ended in September of 1945.

In 1947, he married Phyllis Petrecca, settled in Sylvania and began his career as a general building contractor while raising four children.

Believing that one should try to repay a community for being able to live in it, Gene served several Sylvania town boards: the Water Board, the Planning Commission, and Zoning Board. He also served as President of the Toledo Association of Home Builders and is a life director of the National Association of Home Builders. He built Sylvania's first shopping center, Southbriar (corner of south Main and Convent), as well as many homes and several bank buildings. He has been a member of the Sylvania First Methodist Church for over 75 years. In 1965, Gene obtained his pilot's license and became instrument rated. He was part of a flight crew that competed in the 1992 Around the World Air Race and continued to participate in numerous other races in other parts of the world. He owned several small aircraft during his life and enjoyed flying with his family to Florida and the Bahamas. A long-time avid fisherman, Gene also enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada with family and friends.

Gene is survived by his four children: Jennifer Cochrane, Patricia (Tom) Wilkinson; Thomas (Mary Jane); William (Jan); seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Fern Dewey, stepfather Lloyd Dewey, wife Phyllis, grandson Christopher Lamphier, daughter-in- law Sandra Paul (William), and son-in-law Bob Cochrane (Jennifer). The family wishes to extend profound thanks to his caregivers June, Eman, Leena, Bella, Bob;and the several hospice nurses and staff from Heartland Hospice who cared for Gene, and to the neighbors and friends who offered their kindness and kept him company during the remainder of his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heartland Hospice and the Sylvania United Methodist Church.

A visitation will be Friday, September 12, from 10:00 A.M. until the service begins at noon in the Gathering Place at Sylvania First United Methodist Church, followed by a luncheon at the church. Eugene will be laid to rest with military honors, next to his wife, Phyllis, at Amboy Cemetery at a later date.. Online condolences to reebfuneralhome.com