Paul Joseph Marchesseault

Paul Joseph Henry Marchesseault, 92, died January 22, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded by family. Born on July 3, 1932, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Paul notably served for nine years in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. He attended St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury and went on to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the State Teachers College at Worcester. Paul dedicated his career to education, beginning as a grade school teacher before transitioning into educational publishing. His passion for learning led him to authoring Microsoft training manuals and then to working as a technician for Hamilton Southeastern Schools, finally retiring at nearly the age of 80. A man of service beyond the military, Paul volunteered and contributed to numerous organizations, including the Catholic Church, Kiwanis, and The Wheeler Mission. Paul often shared cherished memories about his childhood, family, and friends on Lake Quinsigamond in Shrewsbury where he developed a lifelong love of sailing and fun on the water. He was a natural storyteller and had a fondness for sporty cars and the music of Ray Charles, Bobby Short, and Jimmy Buffett to name a few. He often reminisced about the glory days dancing to legendary big bands at The Totem Pole Ballroom in Newton, Massachusetts in his youth. In 1992, Paul married Verda Lynne Bowman, blending their families and sharing a life filled with travel, gardening, and caring for their pets. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who welcomed family with warmth and kindness.

Verda passed away just nine days after Paul, on January 31st. Paul is survived by his brother Donald Maloney and family; children Marcus Marchesseault, Jeff Marchesseault (Sharleen), and Michelle Marchesseault; stepdaughter Julie (Junior) Evans; stepdaughter-in-law Jean (Jeffrey) Buttrum; grandchildren Makiya Evans, Mia Téah and Tomas Marchesseault, Emily and Ross Buttrum, Michelle Fleming and Rick Boyd, Amy (Jonathan) Hamby; great-grandchildren Atreyu Evans, Robert and Shelby Hamby, Josiah, Justin and Jasmyn Fleming; as well as lifelong friends and his beloved dog Jaxon. 

Verda and Paul were preceded in death by cherished sons Robin and Jeffrey Buttrum.

Paul’s wisdom, humor, and empathy will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

 A double visitation for Paul and Verda will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East Funeral Center located at 10722 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46229. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM with a private burial at Washington Park East Cemetery. 

In honor of Verda's lifelong dedication to children's education, donations may be made to the Indianapolis Public Schools Foundation by clicking here.

We would also like you to consider a donation in honor of Paul to The Wheeler Mission by clicking here.