WADSWORTH - Our father, Paul Wayne Poetter (91), passed away August 29, 2017 surrounded by his loving family at Hospice of the Western Reserve.  He left this earth to join his Heavenly Father; the love of his life, Shirley Marie; and his son, Rick.  Paul was born April 18, 1926 in Marshallville, Ohio to the late Rev. John and Amelia Poetter.

Paul was a resident of Wadsworth for 77 years, graduating from Wadsworth High School in 1944.  He was a 3-sport letterman and was inducted into the Wadsworth Athletic Hall of Fame.  After graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served as a radio operator in the Pacific arena during WWII.  A highlight of his life was taking the Veterans Honor Flight in 2009 to Washington D.C.  Following his military service, Paul became parts manager at City Chevrolet, and then at Burt Greenwald Chevrolet for 40 years.  Paul was a member of the Wadsworth Lions Club and served Meals on Wheels for many years.

He was a devout life-long member of Emanuel United Church of Christ in Doylestown, where his father had served prior to his death.  Paul served in many leadership roles throughout his time at Emanuel.  He was the spiritual leader of our family, our rock and example of faith and family.  One of the greatest compliments about our dad (grandpa) was the many times his and our friends would say “your dad is such a great guy.”

Paul was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Shirley (Bachman), and son Richard Scott.  He is survived by sons Rodney (Violet) of Ocala, FL and David (Holly) of Wadsworth; daughter Nancy (Stuart) Perry of Doylestown; daughter-in-law Mary Ellen Poetter of Wadsworth; grandchildren Daniel (Connie), Erin (John) Siminerio, Eric, Julie (Mike) Weyand, Jill (Ty) Smith, Carrie (Scott Watts), Jenny (Cody) Ulmer, Brian (Delaney), Mark (Jordan) Perry, Matthew Perry, and 14 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be conducted at 1:00p.m. Saturday, September 2, 2017 at Emanuel United Church of Christ, 16 Eastern Rd Doylestown, OH., with Pastor Gaye Santoro, officiating.  Inurnment to follow in church cemetery.  Friends may call from 10:00am until the time of the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Emanuel United Church of Christ.  Online obituary and guest registry are available at www.zakmonbarrenfh.com

(Zak-Thacker & Monbarren, 330-658-2211)

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