Paul Mueller was known for his bright, inspiring, infectious smile. The smile on his face reflected the joy in his heart, the joy he found serving his Savior. The Psalmist wrote, “Glory ye in His holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.” On this day…because he sought the Lord, Paul is smiling, his heart rejoicing, in the presence of his Redeemer.
Paul Mueller passed away Wednesday evening, August 28, 2013 in his home, surrounded by his family, with a beautiful smile on his face. He was 53.
Paul was born September 8, 1959 in Elgin, Illinois the son of George and Katherina (Hammer) Mueller and moved to Mansfield in 1964. A lifelong area resident, he graduated from Malabar High School in 1977.
On June 28, 1980 Paul married his soul mate, Esther Fischer Mueller, whom he knew since his childhood.
Paul worked as a mechanic at Suburbanite Motors, but dedicated 32 years as a package car driver for United Parcel Service in Holmes and Wayne Counties.
He committed his life to the Lord in 1980, and was a member of Apostolic Christian Church. A pillar of the church, Paul served the congregation in several capacities including Sunday school teacher, a youth group advisor, choir director, and current trustee. Most notably, he was a servant unto the Lord, along with his wife, guiding his family in strong faith, and trust in the Lord.
Music was a huge part of Paul’s life. In addition to serving as choir director, he loved to sing and was a part of a Southern Gospel Quartet, Common Garments, for 15 years. Many will remember the smile on his face as he directed or sang.
He loved working on cars, especially muscle cars like his Pontiac GTO, a hobby he shared with his son-in-law. Beyond working on cars, he loved going to car shows as a participant, or just to enjoy other cars. Paul also enjoyed long rides with Esther in the GTO, or on their Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Passionate about his family, Paul embodied the very definition of a loving husband, father and grandfather, “putting his family first in everything.” Passionate in his love for them, he was content doing anything with them. Annual trips to Myrtle Beach were a special treat for his family, and afternoons on the golf course were less about the game and more about the time together.
He is survived by his loving wife Esther Mueller, son and daughter-in-law Zachary and Shirley Mueller of Lexington, a daughter and son-in-law Abby and Loren Gordner of Delaware, and two precious grandsons (who were his whole life) Ezra and Zander Mueller. Also surviving are his mother Katherina Mueller, two brothers and sisters-in-law Walter and Peggy Mueller and Phil and Danette Mueller; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Adele Weingartner, and Hilda and Phil Lamp all of Mansfield, Esther and Sonny Sazdanoff of Scottsdale, AZ, and Violet and Chad Green of Delaware, and 21 nieces and nephews.
In addition to his father George Mueller, he was preceded in death by an older brother Wilhelm “Bill” Mueller, and a brother-in-law Paul Weingartner.
Friends may callFriday, September 6, 2013 from 2-4 & 6-8 pm in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. The worship service, giving glory to God for the life of Paul Mueller will be held Saturday, September 7, at 10 am at the Apostolic Christian Church, 1332 Middle Bellville Road, Mansfield. His nephew, Eric Weingartner and Walter Bodjanac will officiate. Burial will follow at Mansfield Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made at the funeral home to the “Apostolic Christian Church” for the Paul Mueller fund.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting:www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
