Paul Gordon First

Paul Gordan First died peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Born November 21, 1946, to Marleane and Wesley First Sr, he was the second-oldest of four boys, a leader, mentor, and pot-stirrer, who made sanity a distant dream for his mother.

Paul graduated from Manchester High School in 1964 and was introduced to Joyce after their scheming fathers played matchmaker on shift one day at Marathon. A lengthy phone call and one party later, a whirlwind romance began. Shortly after their relationship took root, Paul was deployed to Vietnam with the United States Army. Their budding romance spanned two continents living on letters that became both a necessity and a luxury. Ultimately, Paul mailed a ring from halfway around the world, one heartfelt letter later, Joyce said yes, and the two were engaged. Paul and Joyce were married on May 20, 1967.

Paul’s service with the Army ended, and the two settled in a small apartment in Canal Fulton where they welcomed their first daughter, Stephanie. From there came a home in Barberton and, eventually, the “farm” on Center Rd, a source of pride and happiness. Just when Paul and Joyce thought their family would always be three, the “little girls,” Samantha and Suzi, arrived.

Paul was boisterous, passionate, and loyal, diving headfirst into any project, whether he had a plan or not. He raised his kids to be strong, independent, competent men, even though they were his daughters, believing there was nothing they couldn't do. He lived by the motto "Never let the facts get in the way of a good story,” and boy could he tell a good story. He perfected the art whenever he had a captive audience; although some stories felt more like two truths and a lie than real life.

Paul could fix and create anything, encouraging his girls to always try first and call him when they needed help. He was a “girl dad” through and through, ready to pick out both prom dresses and weapons, whichever the situation called for. Agent Orange took his health and drastically altered his plans for his life. However, at his core, Paul was a patriot who set an example of how to be proud to be an American.

Paul is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Joyce. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Marleane and Wesley First Sr; his older brother, Wesley First Jr; and his grandson, Cameron Adolff.

Paul is survived by his two younger brothers, Norman and Phillip. His daughters, Stephanie (Adam) Adolff, Samantha (Chris) Davis, and Suzi First. His grandsons, CJ (Savannah) Adolff, Phillip (Shay) Adolff, and Gavin Anderson, along with his great-grandson, Jaxson Paul.

A Funeral Service will be held MONDAY, March 2, 2026, 12:15pm at the Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, 624 Cherry St. E. (Rt. 93) Canal Fulton. Burial with military honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Visitation Sunday, 1pm to 3pm at the funeral home.