Paul Wacknov

Beloved Dad, Papa, and Uncle Paul Wacknov passed away peacefully at home in Leawood, Kansas on Thursday, November 13, 2025 after a marvelously long life filled with love. Paul was born November 16, 1923 in Denver, Colorado. His parents, Alex and Sadie Wacknov, moved to Kansas City when Paul was two years old. Paul graduated from Central High School in 1940. He attended Macalester College in St Paul, Minnesota after enlisting in the Army Air Corps, soon to be known as The US Air Force. He was discharged as a Sergeant after 3 1/2 years of service, of which 1 1/2 years were in the Pacific theatre of operations during WWII. He was a proud member of the Disabled American Veterans.
Upon discharge he joined American Wiper and Waste Mills established by his Father, soon to become American Textile Mills when the product line was changed and extended into disposable products. Paul was a pioneer and a leader in the non-woven fabric industry. He started the Nu-Towel Co., soon to become one of the leading distributors of disposable non woven industrial wipes and car wash towels in the US.
Paul was active in, and a contributor, for many years to numerous charitable organizations, including The Jewish Federation, The American Cancer Society, and The American Red Cross. He was a member of B'nai Jehudah, Beth Torah, and Kehilath Israel Synagogues. He was also a former member of Meadowbrook and Oakwood Country Clubs.
Paul is survived by his children Lisa Bellis (Peter) of Cave Creek, AZ, Susan Jones of Scottsdale, AZ, stepdaughter Jackie Berry (David) of Lenexa, KS, stepson Ben Warner (Rachel) of Leawood, KS, daughter-in-law, Larue Wacknov of Lenexa, KS, sister, Donna Zavelo of Leawood, KS, brother, David Wacknov (Chris) of Phoenix, AZ, sister-in-law, Myrna Wacknov of Foster City, CA, as well as 13 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.
Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn (Warner) Wacknov, his wife, Bonnie (Adkinson) Wacknov, sons, Craig Wacknov and Dennis Wacknov, parents, Alex and Sadie Wacknov, two brothers, Jerry Wacknov and Leonard Wacknov, his sister, Betty Price, his brother-in-law, Sam Zavelo, and his companion, Marilyn Hoffman.
Paul leaves with appreciation of his many happy memories with family and friends. He will also miss many canine friends. In his walks after retirement, he knew the names of over forty neighborhood dogs, to whom he gave biscuits to daily. He especially enjoyed the wagging tails and barks of welcome when they caught sight of him approaching.
Services will be held at Louis Memorial Chapel at 11:00am on Sunday, November 16, followed by burial at Mount Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Kehilath Israel Synagogue Sadie and Alex Wacknov Fund, The Jewish Community Center, or a charity of your choice.