Paul Irwin Hursh Sr., born on February 24, 1933, in Canton Ohio, passed away on January 17, 2025, at the age of 91 in Mansfield, OH.
He leaves behind a rich legacy marked by a deep commitment to his family, faith, and community. Paul graduated from Kent State University in 1957 with a B.S. in Business Administration, specializing in Marketing. His professional journey began in the metallurgical lab at Empire Detroit Steel, after which he joined forces with his father at D.G. Hursh Sales in 1962, a business where he demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication until his retirement in 2005.
A veteran, Paul served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War, stationed stateside at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His service was a period of pride and growth, contributing significantly to the man he would become. Paul was deeply spiritual, a trait that permeated his daily life. He was an active member of several churches over the years: First United Methodist Church in Mansfield, OH, Holden Beach Chapel in NC, and First Congregational Church in Mansfield, OH, where he worshiped until his passing. An avid golfer, Paul achieved two hole-in-ones at Lockwood Country Club in NC and a double-eagle on hole #5 at Possum Run Golf Course in Mansfield, Ohio. His love for the sport was matched by his involvement in the Bourbon Sippers and the Golden Boys League. Paul was also a passionate hunter, often accompanied by his loyal beagle/basset hound, Hunter. His commitment to community service was evident through his long-standing volunteer work at the Mansfield Mehock Relays and his 63-year membership in the Mansfield Lodge #35, where he was a member of the Scottish Rite and a 32nd-degree Mason and Past Master.
Paul was the cherished husband of Frances Whittaker Hursh for 69 years and a loving father to Paul (Helga) Hursh, Carol (Morris) Wasylenki, Sharon (Daniel) Wiegand, Alice Hursh, and Holly (Craig) Christie. He was a proud grandfather to Lauren, Jacob (Marie) Wiegand, Alexandra and Carolyn Wasylenki, Spencer (Katie), Morgan, Cooper, and Elliott Christie, and great-grandfather to Evelyn and Emma Christie and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Gwendolyn(Davies) and Donald G. Hursh, his brothers Francis P., Donald G. II.(Ann), William D. Hursh(Betty), sister Alice J. Hursh(William), in-laws William and Marion Whittaker and sister-in-law Grace Pilliod(Dallas). Our family would like to thank Allison Campbell and her entire staff at Primrose Retirement Community and Mary Bolin and her staff at Southern Care Hospice for the loving care they gave our father.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 31, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Mansfield, OH, in Blymyer Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Shriner’s Hospital, Southern Care Hospice, or First Congregational Church in memory of Paul.
His life, filled with laughter, devotion, and service, will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who were fortunate to know him
Funeral Home: Ohio Cremation and Memorial Society
Website: https://www.ohiocremation.org/